Sabre Holdings Corporation has successfully migrated four of Australia`s regional airlines to the Sabre(R) Passenger Reservation System and Sabre(R) ACSI(TM) international airport check-in system. Additionally, each airline will use the Sabre(R) SteadyState(TM) weight and balance system.

David Fletcher, general manager of Perth-based Skywest Airlines
believes the airline is now strongly placed to move forward following the events of the past nine months.

“Skywest is in an exciting period of operation, in that Sabre`s airline reservations system has given the airline the power to move forward and grow as an independent regional carrier,” said Mr. Fletcher. “Placing our passenger services with Sabre allows us to truly focus on our core business.”

Similarly, Scott McMillian, managing director of Brisbane-based   Flight West Airlines
has praised the well-executed project and is looking forward to future independent growth for Flight West`s regional network.

“Flight West chose Sabre`s airline reservations purposes for several reasons, including the company Sabre keeps in other airlines—both in Australia and overseas,” said Mr. McMillan. “Further, Sabre understood our requirements; our timeframe for migration was short, they were able to deliver the services required and most importantly, could demonstrate that delivery was possible.”

The deal entitles each airline with access to the industry`s only fully integrated solution designed to support all passenger interactions. The system provides each airline with the capability to increase sales through every distribution channel, streamline processes and automate manual tasks, as well as increase traveler self-service capabilities.

Mike Baldwin, senior vice president of the Asia Pacific region for Sabre
understood the necessity for each carrier to develop IT plans that will enhance their future strategies and growth.

“This relationship allows Sabre to play a vital role in Australia`s regional aviation growth,” said Mr. Baldwin. “Our software portfolio, coupled with our airline expertise, is providing each airline with proven solutions they can use to strengthen their company and heighten their competitive position in the market. The success Sabre has had in continuing to build its presence in Asia, the world`s fastest growing passenger traffic market, is based on providing solutions and expertise that drive value for its customers in the region.”

The four airlines provide important - and often essential - air service to vast parts of Australia. Together, they connect cities and towns across the country to regional centres in Western Australia, New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland.

The airlines were previously hosted on the Merlin system, which became un- operational. Due to the unique circumstances, the airline migrations were completed in a rapid timeframe of 30 - 60 days rather than the typical 180 days.

Related stories on ITN:

(03/07/2002) Sabre and Air China Sign IT Agreement

(01/07/2002)  Sabre Installs Quasar eMergo System at Great Plains Airlines.

(16/04/2002)  Sabre Receives Three Industry Awards for Best Airline Solutions

(27/03/2002)
BA Completes Implementation of Sabre FAM.

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