Press Release Summary = IBS Software Services today announced that WestJet, the No.
2 Canadian airline, has entered into a multi-year agreement for aiRES, the new
generation Passenger Services System (PSS), developed by IBS in collaboration with
Cendant Travel Distribution Services (TDS).
Press Release Body = Cochin (Oct 5, 2005) – IBS Software Services today announced
that WestJet, the No. 2 Canadian airline, has entered into a multi-year agreement
for aiRES, the new generation Passenger Services System (PSS), developed by IBS in
collaboration with Cendant Travel Distribution Services (TDS). WestJet, which is
Canada's leading low-cost airline, was also named Canada's most respected
corporation for customer service in 2005. aiRES (formerly known as iRes) will
replace WestJet’s current reservation, scheduling and check-in systems.
Making the announcement, Mr. V K Mathews, Chairman and Managing Director, IBS said,“This is a very important milestone in the business life cycle of aiRES. WestJet is
one of the most admired corporations in Canada and a highly respected name in the
airline industry for innovative business thinking and practice. It is a matter of
exceptional pride for us that one of the most reputed new generation airlines in the
world has signed up for aiRES. Our vision for aiRES is to make it the leading
passenger services system for the air transportation industry, and with this
achievement we are on the right track to get there.”
aiRES is IBS’ innovative new passenger services platform designed to replace less
flexible, more expensive, older legacy airline ‘hosting’ systems. The system
supports an airline’s ability to be more efficient, agile and innovative in a
rapidly changing airline environment. WestJet will implement this integrated,
multi-hosting system to effectively manage its passenger reservations, inventory
control, fares, ticketing, and departure control functions. WestJet, the launch
customer for the new airline reservation platform, now also serves as a
co-development partner.
Built on new technology and designed with an open, multi-layered modular
architecture, aiRES provides the utmost flexibility by enabling business model
changes without making major changes directly to the software. In addition, aiRES
can enable airlines to integrate their distribution channels with other travel
services. This architecture could, for example, allow a customer returning a rental
car at the airport to simultaneously receive an airline boarding pass, or while
checking in at an airport kiosk, customers can book a hotel or make dinner
reservations at a local restaurant. The new technology will also enable
functionality that supports improved customer service and increased efficiencies for
the airline, such as a three-step booking process and very fast check-in.
Don Bell, Executive Vice President, WestJet added, “We’ve worked closely with IBS
and Cendant TDS to develop an integrated system that will provide WestJet with
innovative, industry-leading technology that will enable WestJet to continue to have
a competitive advantage. aiRES’ open architecture and flexibility will allow
WestJet to more effectively implement change and quickly respond to market
conditions. Over the past year, our teams have worked together to ensure that
WestJet had the right foundation for success in executing against our business
strategy, and the tools to be able to respond to changing market and competitive
conditions. Cendant TDS and IBS have been able to deliver based on our unique needs,
and we’re excited about the future opportunities that await us.”
“The airline industry has long needed a new Passenger Service System that more
effectively supports rapidly changing business processes and evolving business
models,” said Flo Lugli, Senior Vice President, Airline Solutions for Cendant TDS.“WestJet’s commitment demonstrates the advantages in our technology and flexible
business approach.”
Lugli added, “aiRES delivers a new level of service that the airline industry has
never experienced before. With our unmatched portfolio of assets, Cendant TDS drives
innovative business models that can help deliver more business to airlines and lower
transaction costs. WestJet has always been an innovative and progressive carrier.
This is particularly significant because we seek partners who believe in a
collaborative and highly aligned business approach.”
aiRES is jointly brought to market through a business alliance between IBS and
Cendant TDS. Cendant TDS is responsible for the sales, marketing, product management
and customer relationships for the aiRES product while IBS manages product
development, technical support and maintenance. More information on aiRES can be
obtained at www.go-aiRES.com.
About IBS Software Services
The IBS Group (IBS) is a leading IT solutions provider to the global Travel,
Transportation and Logistics industry. A specialist in the domain, IBS offers a
range of software solutions that manage mission-critical operations of major
airlines, airports, oil and gas companies and seaports world-wide. In addition, IBS
offers services that include software development, business and technology
consulting, turnkey solutions, customer support services, application maintenance,
and business process outsourcing. IBS is SEI CMM Level-5 assessed, ISO 9001:2000
and TickIT certified, and operates two software production and competence
development centres in India. With some of the world’s leading corporations as
clients, IBS has business operations in the Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific as well
as the Middle East and Africa regions. More information about IBS can be found on
the web at www.ibsplc.com. For media enquiries, please contact Pradeep P. Suthan at
+91-471-2700080 or at pradeeps
@ibsplc.com.
About WestJet
WestJet is Canada's leading low-cost airline offering scheduled service throughout
its 34-city North American network. Named Canada's most respected corporation for
customer service in 2005, WestJet pioneered low-cost high-value flying in Canada.
With increased legroom and leather seats on its modern fleet of Boeing
Next-Generation 737 aircraft, and live seatback television on its 737-700 fleet,
WestJet strives to be the number one choice for travellers. Visit www.westjet.com
for more information.
About Cendant Travel Distribution Services
Cendant Corporation’s (NYSE: CD) Travel Distribution Services Division, is one of
the world’s largest and most geographically diverse collections of travel brands and
distribution businesses. The division, employing nearly 9,000 people in
approximately 120 countries, includes: a leading global distribution services (GDS)
company (Galileo), serving more than 44,000 travel agencies and over 60,000 hotels;
hotel distribution and services businesses (Neat Group®, THOR®, TRUST and WizCom®);
leading online travel agencies (CheapTickets®, ebookers.com®, HotelClub.com,
Lodging.com, Orbitz®, and RatesToGo.com); an airline market intelligence company
(Shepherd Systems); an international travel technology and software company
(Travelwire); a leading international provider of long-haul air travel and travel
product consolidator (Travel 2®/Travel 4®); online global corporate travel
management solutions (Orbitz for Business® and Travelport®); and a leading
wholesaler and global online prov
ider of hotels, destination services, travel packages and group tours (Gullivers
Travel Associates, OctopusTravel.com® and Travel Bound, Inc.).
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