AirTran Airways and JetBlue Airways among first to update System Operations Control (SOC) centers to Sabre Airline Solutions’ browser-based technologies, offering expands integration at remote locations
SOUTHLAKE, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–June 2, 2004– Sabre Airline Solutions recently announced the implementation of
new browser-based modules for its operations control and crew tracking
systems previously installed at AirTran Airways and Jet Blue Airways.
Airlines using the Sabre FliteTrac and Sabre CrewTrac systems can now
provide remote access to these applications using Sabre FliteTrac Web
and Sabre CrewTrac Web.
With implementation of the new open system technology, JetBlue and
AirTran personnel from remote locations, such as airport ramp and gate
positions, can now access and update critical operational information
in an easier, more cost-effective way. Frontier Airlines also will
soon be implementing the FliteTrac Web module to provide remote access
to FliteTrac for its station personnel.
AirTran, a long-time user of the Sabre Flight Control suite, has
made a significant leap into the advanced technology environment
required to be competitive in today’s airline market.
Jim Tabor, General Manager, Operations Performance for AirTran
said, “FliteTrac Web exhibits the capabilities needed to manage our
complex operations. FliteTrac Web replaced every functional area of
the old system provided by CMS (a legacy LAN-based communications
system) and brought new functions into the field station’s toolkit.
Our field stations can now link, via the web, to get estimated arrival
and departure times, station profile information, and integrated log
entries.
“FliteTrac Web meets our needs very well,” Tabor continued. “The
instantaneous ‘link and sync’ keeps our field stations and customers
better informed. We have seen major improvement during irregular
operations in our ability to keep everyone on plan.”
“With as many as 400 users on the system at any one time, AirTran
needs quick access to manage its airport responsibilities associated
with flight arrivals and departures,” said David Bornemann, vice
president of Flight Operations at Sabre Airline Solutions. “FliteTrac
Web allows AirTran personnel access to these responsibilities from
remote locations, keeping everyone on the same page.”
The controlled actions include inputting gate information, flight
times, fuel data, shift log information, cargo load information, as
well as flight delays. A recent enhancement also allows retrieval of
updated weather information for pilots.
“In its selection, AirTran is being progressive by opting for an
application that will scale Bornemann added.
The recent implementation is an indicator that the industry is
moving away from proprietary communications systems and networks and
towards more open systems. Moving from the “green screen” technology
of its former product, AirTran has been able to shut down a legacy
system that used expensive wide area network (WAN) technology.
JetBlue is another carrier making the move to open systems with
the selection of FliteTrac Web and its companion Sabre CrewTrac Web.
In addition to FliteTrac Web functionalities, Sabre CrewTrac Web
enables JetBlue pilots and flight attendants to access their
schedules, check in for flights, and review schedule changes and
available assignments over the web.
“The two products will benefit JetBlue by streamlining internal
communications and reducing reliance on telephone and teletype
communications,” said Tom Rinow, JetBlue director of System
Operations. “As JetBlue continues to grow and expand our route
structure, station specific communication will become even more
important. FliteTrac Web will provide the kind of detailed information
that targets and is tailored to each specific city.”
The benefits of the elected enhancements to the Sabre Flight
Control suite go beyond streamlining communications, according to
Rinow. “With these two applications, JetBlue will have access to
up-to-date information in both areas without calling already
over-worked crew schedulers in the SOC. This will enable crew
schedulers to ensure that all JetBlue flights are fully staffed with
qualified crew members, and that all assignments conform to applicable
FAA flight and duty time limitations.” Bornemann noted that JetBlue
has been using Sabre products for its SOC automation since its initial
start of service in early 2000.
In a cost-conscious environment such as the low-cost carrier
market, FliteTrac Web and CrewTrac Web provide freedom from legacy
systems with best-of-breed technology and adaptability and scalability
for the future at a price point compatible with carrier budgets.
About Sabre Airline Solutions
Sabre Airline Solutions, a Sabre Holdings company, is the world’s
largest provider of software products, reservations and departure
control systems and other passenger management systems, and consulting
services that help airlines simplify operations and lower costs. Sabre
Airline Solutions’ proven leadership is demonstrated by the growing
number of airlines that leverage the technology and services: More
than 200 airlines worldwide use Sabre Airline Solutions’ broad
portfolio of smart solutions for decision-support tools to increase
revenues and improve operations. More than 100 airlines worldwide rely
on Sabre Airline Solutions for passenger management solutions, with 15
new carriers added and nine carrier renewals for SabreSonic Res
advanced reservations in 2003. In addition, more than 100 clients
worldwide have turned to Sabre Airline Solutions consulting group for
strategic, commercial and operational consulting. More than 500
contracts worldwide were signed in 2003 within Sabre Airline
Solutions.
Sabre Holdings Corporation (NYSE:TSG) is a world leader in travel
commerce, 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 and
Sabre FliteTrac Web, Sabre CrewTrac Web, Sabre Flight Control are
trademarks and/or service marks of an affiliate of Sabre Holdings
Corporation. All other trademarks, service marks, and trade names are
the property of their respective owners.
CONTACT: Sabre Airline Solutions
Kathryn Hayden, 682-605-2252
kathryn.hayden@sabre-holdings.com
SOURCE: Sabre Airline Solutions