Etihad Airways will make its ‘Big Switch’ to new, state-of-the-art, passenger sales, website, and check-in systems next week, the most significant milestone in its $ 1 billion, 10-year, deal with Sabre Airline Solutions.
The Passenger Service System (PSS) transformation project is the most challenging IT and business-critical initiative that the Abu Dhabi-based airline has implemented in its history. It has involved intensive training for 6,700 Etihad Airways and third party staff.
The Big Switch will integrate Etihad Airways’ current PSS into one platform that will utilize cutting-edge software across its reservations, inventory, eCommerce, distribution and departure control activities.
The new Sabre Airline Solutions PSS will offer significant enhancements to the customer experience especially in areas such as mobile and guest communications.
The Big Switch will start February 23, and is due for completion on February 24.
Therefore during 22 and 25 February Etihad Airways asks passengers to follow key guidelines to help ensure any disruption to their travel experience is kept to a minimum.
The key messages for customers traveling during that period are:
* Arrive at the airport four hours before the flight is due to depart
* Where possible check-in online from 24 hours before departure and print boarding pass beforehand and bring to the airport
* If unable to check-in online bring a copy of e-mail confirmation and/or travel itinerary
During the Big Switch weekend, customers can still call the Etihad Airways contact centers on +971 2 599 0000.
All booking channels will be down from 11pm on Friday Feb. 22 and are expected to resume during the day on Feb. 24.
Peter Baumgartner, Etihad chief commercial officer, said: “The new Sabre passenger services system will offer a wealth of new benefits to Etihad Airways and its customers and we are looking forward to its impact across the business and in particular to customer experience.”
