Airline Launches New e-Ticketing Solutions and Internet Booking in
Customer First Initiative
SOUTHLAKE, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Nov. 29, 2006–Pakistan
International Airlines (PIA) is using Sabre Airline Solutions
technology to let customers book e-tickets over the Internet and pay
by credit card. The airline has introduced e-ticketing for all
bookings made directly with the airline and through travel agencies,
eliminating paper ticketing long before the IATA-mandated deadline of
December 31, 2007.
The airline has rolled out its Internet-based SabreSonic Web
application in major regional markets, enabling it to issue e-tickets
for online bookings. SabreSonic Web is planned for introduction in all
international markets in 2007. Additionally, PIA is implementing kiosk
and Web check-in applications. These initiatives are a part of the
airline’s Customer First service upgrade program.
Tariq Kirmani, chairman of PIA, said: “With our Customer First
program, we plan to offer efficient e-ticketing services to our
customers in all markets that PIA serves. We turned to Sabre Airline
Solutions for assistance with this based on its industry expertise and
experience and our long-standing partnership.”
More than 125 airlines are already able to issue e-tickets through
the Sabre GDS. Of these, more than 60 have already joined Sabre
Airline Solutions’ Interline Electronic Ticketing Hub. This allows
them to establish interline e-ticketing with each other more quickly
and easily than if they had to establish bilateral e-ticketing
agreements and direct communication links. It also incorporates full
support for third-party ground handlers, critical to many airlines in
Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
PIA is expected to join the Sabre Airline Solutions Interline
Electronic Ticketing Hub during the first quarter of 2007, joining
airlines such as American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific,
Continental, Delta, Emirates, Gulf Air, JAL, Qantas and Singapore
Airlines.
The PIA e-ticketing and Internet booking projects are based around
components of the SabreSonic Passenger Solutions suite of traveler
management technology – part of a portfolio of more than 100
integrated products.
“Sabre Airline Solutions welcomes the opportunity to enable this
improvement in PIA’s product and customer service. This is a
significant step forward for the travel industry in the region and for
the IATA e-ticketing mandate,” said Steve Clampett, Sabre Airline
Solutions’ president of products and solutions. “It also extends the
role that we already play in providing global distribution services,
reservations, check in and other systems services to PIA and Pakistan
aviation sector.”
PIA maintains a long-term information technology partnership with
Sabre Airline Solutions and sister-company Sabre Travel Network,
operator of the world’s largest global distribution system, for the
distribution and sale of all its products through travel agencies in
every part of the world.
About Sabre Airline Solutions
Sabre Airline Solutions, a Sabre Holdings company, is the world’s
largest provider of products to help airlines market, sell, serve and
operate from planning to execution.
More than 200 airlines use its broad portfolio of decision-support
tools to increase revenues and improve operations, while more than 500
use its leading operational technology. More than 100 airlines 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, the Sabre Airline Solutions logo,
SabreSonic and Sabre Travel Network 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) 2006 Sabre Inc. All rights reserved.
CONTACT: Sabre Airline Solutions
Media Contact:
Rebecca Hauger, 682-605-4098
rebecca.hauger@sabre-holdings.com
SOURCE: Sabre Airline Solutions