SOUTHLAKE, Texas & MANCHESTER, U.K.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Sept. 18, 2006–The two leading consulting firms in the fields of airport consulting and route development for airports, Airport Strategy and Marketing Ltd (ASM) and Sabre Airline Solutions (Sabre), are announcing the launch of a growth partnership, commencing at this year’s Routes, the world’s leading airline and airport networking event focused entirely on route development.
ASM and the consulting business of Sabre Airline Solutions have agreed to an extensive marketing relationship, working together in order to jointly increase their respective consulting businesses in the fields of route development for airports, as well as more general commercial and operations related airport consulting. The partnership intends to capitalise on the respective strengths of each brand creating an unrivalled market leading offer of services to the world’s airports.
“ASM and Sabre have been associates for many years, and the growth partnership is a very natural and logical step forward for the relationship,” said David Stroud, ASM’s managing director. “By working closer together we greatly enhance our offer to the market. I firmly believe that ASM and Sabre will provide airports with an unrivalled suite of route development services and solutions on a global scale.”
Successful route development for airports depends on the provision of high quality market information, incisive strategy and a strong capability to persuade airlines to operate new services. This growth partnership brings together this complete capability to both companies’ global client bases.
In addition to greater route development solutions, this partnership will also provide more of the world’s airports with additional commercial and operational solutions, designed to optimize performance at both companies’ clients. Through the combined strengths of both companies, airports will see improved solutions targeting areas including market analysis, route forecasting, concessions analysis, and community relations among others; as well as improvements in operational areas such as terminal gating, airport staffing, and cargo analysis.
“The ASM/Sabre partnership is a natural progression of the relationship that has evolved between these companies over the years,” said Nejib Ben-Khedher, president of the consulting practice within Sabre Airline Solutions. “When the management of both organizations analyzed the services provided, regional presence and capabilities of the two companies, both sides recognized that there were additional benefits to both our clients and our businesses could be gained by an even closer relationship. We view this partnership as complementary to our internal growth plans initiated four years ago and sustained with the aim to create a clear leadership position in this sector.”
ASM and Sabre will seek to grow each others’ business through a process of joint promotion, referrals and joint bidding for new airport contracts, jointly branded collateral designed to publicize systems and services provided by both parties, joint marketing and advertising plans, a combined resource pool and combined delivery resources, joint RFP bids, and various cost-reduction initiatives such as joint-exhibitions at industry events as well as third-party purchasing. These steps, as well as others currently being discussed, are designed to mutually benefit both parties, and lead to the growth of both practices.
About Airport Strategy and Marketing Ltd
Formed in 1993 when the discipline of airport marketing was still in its infancy, the company has grown rapidly with an airport client base in all major markets. ASM has assisted numerous airports secure new routes, build their revenues and develop their regions. The company is designed for and operates to deliver results.
ASM have devised numerous route development strategies for airports, setting their direction, targets and delivery plans. Through many years of experience, the company has developed an operating structure and range of management processes by which the pursuit of route targets is best undertaken. ASM works alongside our clients and their stakeholders to ensure maximum effort is deployed to winning new routes.
ASM’s track record of results contributions is second to none, with a promise to clients to make a real difference — strengthening their market position, growing the route network and increasing their traffic base.
About Sabre Airline Solutions
Sabre Airline Solutions, a Sabre Holdings company, is the world’s largest provider of products to help airlines and airports market, sell, serve and operate from planning to execution.
More than 200 airlines and over 100 airports use its broad portfolio of decision-support tools and market information to increase revenues and improve operations, while more than 500 use its leading operational technology. More than 100 airlines and airports rely on Sabre Airline Solutions for passenger management solutions, while a similar number have turned to the company’s consulting group for strategic, commercial and operational advice.
Sabre Holdings (NYSE:TSG) connects people with the world’s greatest travel possibilities by retailing travel products and providing distribution and technology solutions for the travel industry. More information about Sabre Holdings is available at http://www.sabre-holdings.com.
Sabre Airline Solutions and the Sabre Airline Solutions logo are trademarks and/or service marks of an affiliate of Sabre Holdings Corp. All other trademarks, service marks and trade names are the property of their respective owners. (C) 2005 Sabre Inc. All rights reserved.
CONTACT: Sabre Airline Solutions, Southlake
Rebecca Hauger, 682-605-4098
rebecca.hauger@sabre-holdings.com
or
ASM
Stephen Chandler, +44 (0) 161 234 2730
www.asm-global.com
SOURCE: Sabre Airline Solutions
