Following the signature of a letter of intent in November 2004, Amadeus and South African Airways (SAA) confirmed their strategic partnership by recently signing a contract for the provision of Altéa, Amadeus’ new generation Customer Management Systems.
The Altéa suite, which Amadeus designed from the ground up, using new technology based on an open architecture framework, will allow the airline to offer greatly improved customer service and streamline its operations. As Amadeus’ first IT contract with an African airline, this deal represents a significant milestone in the global adaption of the Altéa suite. Amadeus has existing IT contracts with Qantas, British Airways, Finnair and the German airline dba.

Altéa, Amadeus’ Customer Management Systems, are designed around the customer and replace the inflexible and expensive legacy passenger service systems still used by most airlines. The full Altéa suite comprises Altéa Sell, a platform for multi-channel sales and reservations; Altéa Plan, the new generation system for inventory management and the Altéa Departure Control System for passenger and flight management at airports. Altéa gives airlines access to a single database of customer information across systems in real-time, helping them to offer a dramatically improved customer service in a cost-efficient way.

“Amadeus’ innovative technology provides airlines with the most cost-effective and efficient way for them to stay ahead in this rapidly changing business environment,” says Paul Heighway, General Manager of Amadeus Services Limited and Director of the Amadeus Airline Business Group. “With South African Airways migrating to our new generation Customer Management Systems in the first half of 2006, we are reinforcing our commitment to provide winning solutions for airlines that are unrivalled in the market.”

“Altéa will give our staff a system that really supports their ability to offer a personalised, distinctive service to our customers at all customer contact points while at the same time delivering cost effective reliable operations ,” added Mike Re, Acting CIO, South African Airways. “With Amadeus, we have a partner who not only meets our needs today, but will take us forward to ensure our success in the future.”
——-