Worldspan and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines have entered an agreement through which Worldspan will provide the technology that enables KLM to offer advanced electronic ticketing capabilities throughout the world. The companies plan to deliver the new KLM capability in phases to the carrier’s airline reservations agents, the world’s global distribution systems (GDS), and online travel distribution sites. The application will be developed, operated, and maintained by Worldspan and will include a full spectrum of the latest electronic ticketing functionality and features.

“We’re pleased to have this vote of confidence in Worldspan technology and operations from an industry leader such as KLM,” said Jesse Liebman, Worldspan senior vice president and general manager - Worldwide Travel Supplier Services. “The application for KLM initiates an additional and expanded airline subscription service that Worldspan offers to airline customers. Through this technology partnership, Worldspan and KLM will greatly enhance service to KLM representatives and travellers alike, and it will enable Worldspan to broaden its offerings to the global airline industry.”

“Worldspan is very progressive in developing and applying the most appropriate technologies for e-ticketing and transaction processing across multiple channels for airlines worldwide,” said Eddo Bläser, KLM vice president Customer Systems. “Worldspan technology was a clear choice for KLM and a major step towards the introduction of electronic ticketing to our representatives and customers throughout the world in the near future. The choice of Worldspan will also facilitate the exchange of electronic tickets with our partner NWA.”

Worldspan’s comprehensive portfolio of airline technologies are among the world’s best, including Inventory Management, Reservations Management, Flight Operations, Airport Processing Services, Baggage Tracking, Weather Services, Automated Reissues, Historical Pricing, Ticketing, Cars and Hotels, Fares and Pricing, and Worldspan’s landmark Power Product technologies. Customised, subscription-based services, such as the electronic ticketing technology being developed for KLM, are available for start-up carriers and large, established carriers alike. Worldspan also develops specialised airline industry Internet technologies, including Internet Booking Engines (IBE) and back-end processing systems.

“The premise behind Worldspan’s airline subscription service portfolio is to add value to airline customer relationships by offering cost-efficient solutions and by being quick, if not first, to market with evolving technologies,” said Liebman.

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