The result of an exhaustive selection process, the 10-year deal will see Etihad Airways utilize cutting edge, integrated software across its reservations, inventory, marketing, planning, eCommerce, distribution and departure control operations.
The Sabre-created software will be implemented by February, 2013 and will significantly reduce the airline’s technology costs while streamlining processes considerably.
Etihad Airways Chief Executive Officer James Hogan said the deal will play a pivotal role in providing Etihad Airways with the tools necessary to achieve its next phase of growth and profitability targets in an innovative, sustainable and cost effective manner.
“It will be the single largest technology-enabled business change that Etihad Airways will undertake in a decade. Sabre came to us with a world-class product that we believe will help us increase revenues but also take our outstanding customer service to another level.”
Hogan added: “This integrated approach not only gives us cost certainty, but creates efficiencies of scale. We are fortunate to be in a position, unlike legacy carriers, to be able to implement this software across the board.”
Also included in the deal is a multi-year, full content distribution agreement to provide Sabre-connected travel agents worldwide with real time access to Etihad Airways’ flight and scheduling information.
Etihad Airways will also be able to access the Sabre global distribution system to market and sell products and services.
Sabre Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Sam Gilliland said: “We very much look forward to working with Etihad Airways as it grows over the next 10 years to become one of the largest airlines in the world. The technology we will provide will facilitate this growth considerably.”
