Oman Air goes for IT Makeover
Airline Purchases Six Software Packages From Sabre to Upgrade Services
Sultanate’s national carrier, Oman Air will initiate a major technological makeover of its services with the implementation of six advanced software applications customized for the aviation sector, thereby reinforcing its commitment to provide the highest standard of service to air travelers.
The company has bought six software applications for a considerable $3 million, payable over a four-year period from Sabre Holding. The six systems purchased are for revenue management, introduction of frequent flyer programme, internet booking, electronic ticketing, and automated scheduling as well as sophisticated planning system. The implementation of all systems has been scheduled to be complete by the end of 2005.
The implementation of the systems will help Oman Air in lowering cost and improve efficiency through integration of operation. They will also help the airline upgrade the current systems.
Sabre, is a company that pioneered many developments in the aviation sector from developing the first computer reservation system in the 1960s, to trailblazing online travel in the 1990s. Oman Air hopes to make a cost saving of $2 million per annum over four years with the implementation of the new packages, the monetary outgo for which will be $3 million during the same period that will lead to a saving of $5 million. Additionally, Oman Air will be ahead of IATA’s 2007deadline for world-wide implementation of electronic ticketing. The airline will introduce e-ticketing in phases from 1st August 2005 onwards. Conversion to e-ticketing from manual process helps in a cost saving of $7 per passenger per ticket. While most airlines around world are cutting down services Oman Air is among a few airlines improving them, Mr. Ziad Al haremy, divisional manager commercial said.