KLM Royal Dutch Airlines recently re-launched its online booking engine with full online reservations capabilities and other complementary electronic services using the advanced Web reservations platform from travel technology provider, Datalex.

The system is based on the Datalex BookIt! CONSUMER Internet booking engine and middleware platform, BookIt! MATRIX, which enables connectivity between the booking engine and a wide range of KLM internal systems. The new platform uses a simple graphical user interface supporting multiple languages including English, French, Dutch, Italian, Spanish, German and Korean. The traveler profile capability enables users to store an extensive range of personal data, which can be used to customize reservations and generate Passenger Name Records (PNRs) for tracking and storing traveler information. The system also includes e-ticketing capabilities.

According to Aidan Brogan, vice president International Sales for Datalex, “Achieving sustainable profitability while continuing to create value for customers and retain their loyalty within a fiercely competitive industry, is an enormous challenge for airlines such as KLM. In these days of political and economic uncertainty, forward thinking carriers like KLM have seen the value of technology investment as a means of achieving greater control of their inventory, managing their yield and reducing costs. More than ever, the use of these technology tools can prove to be the difference between ultimate success or failure.”

The Datalex solution provides a perfect medium for KLM to enhance its direct relationship with customers and provide extra information and frequent flyer services in a very cost effective way. Datalex has a long history with KLM, having been involved in all areas of KLM’s TPF (Transaction Processing Facility) based operations for the past 15 years. Datalex has provided a full range of services from project management through systems analysis, design, and programming for TPF projects including the development of Origin/Destination (O&D), Revenue Management, and Electronic Ticketing applications.

Paul Gregorowitsch, executive vice president Commercial for KLM, said, “Our customer expects more and better e-services that make travel easier and put the customer in control. The new online booking tool is complemented by e-Ticketing and self-service check-in, to put the customer in control. If price is leading the customer searches quickly and easily for the best deals available. If flexibility is required, flights are suggested that match the preferred travel schedule that can easily be changed. Timesaving ground services like, e-Ticketing, removes some of the hassle of paper ticketing. Self-service check-in is the quick and easy way to get a boarding pass - avoiding waiting time. The development of these tools fits in KLM’s strategy to generate more sales through online channels in the coming five years.”

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