ETIHAD Airways announced a deal valued at more than $1 billion with aviation computer technology provider Sabre Airline Solutions. The result of an exhaustive selection process, the ten-year deal will see Etihad Airways utilise cutting edge, integrated software across its reservations, inventory, marketing, planning, eCommerce, distribution and departure control operations. The Sabre-created software will be implemented by February, 2013 and will significantly reduce the airline’s technology costs while streamlining processes considerably.
Etihad Airways chief executive officer James Hogan said: “This groundbreaking deal will play a pivotal role in providing Etihad Airways with the tools necessary to achieve its next phase of growth and profitability targets in an innovative, sustainable and cost effective manner.
Also included in the deal is a multi-year, full content distribution agreement to provide Sabre-connected travel agents worldwide with real time access to Etihad Airways’ flight and scheduling information.
Etihad Airways will also be able to access the Sabre global distribution system to market and sell products and services. Sam Gilliland, Sabre chairman and chief executive officer, said: “Etihad Airways is a premier airline in a growing and dynamic part of the world. We are privileged to work with a visionary carrier that will greatly benefit from Sabre’s best in class-in-class technology, which will provide the airline with the flexibility to adapt to the constantly changing travel marketplace.”
Sabre Airline Solutions was recently voted as World’s Leading CRS/GDS System 2011 by World Travel Awards, globally recognized as the most prestigious accolade in the industry. Voted as a global leader, Sabre’s win marks the culmination of a year-long, global search for the very best travel and tourism brands of the travel industry’, travel professionals from around the globe participated in the voting process for this award which is scrupulously monitored and independently audited.
Greg Webb, president, Sabre Travel Network commented, “This is our 12thconsecutive win! Voted as the world’s leading GDS year on year by thousands of travel agents around the globe underscores our dedication to our customers.