SOUTHLAKE, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Oct. 19, 2005–Turkish Airlines is applying new technology to achieve greater revenues from improved inventory management. The airline has signed a multi-year contract worth more than US$1 million with Sabre Airline Solutions for decision-support technology from the Sabre AirMax Revenue Management group of products. Turkish Airlines expects to boost total revenues by five percent as a result of the deal.
Sabre Airline Solutions signed a similar deal with Japan Airlines Group (JAL) just two months ago. It is a recognized leader in airline revenue management solutions and services, with many other customers including Air France, Alitalia, Gulf Air, Kuwait Airways, Malaysia Airlines, TAM Brazilian Airlines and US Airways.
Version 6 of Revenue Manager will reduce Turkish’s exposure to no-shows and duplicate bookings. The product will help it make the most of high-value demand close to departure, while simultaneously limiting the number of empty seats on departing aircraft.
Revenue Manager will also give Turkish a range of decision-support tools including data collection, forecasting and performance measurement — all enabling the airline to improve the way it manages seat availability.
Turkish Airlines will also use the Group Manager module. Almost 25 percent of the airline’s sales come from group travel, and the technology will allow it to fully automate this part of its business. Using information provided by Revenue Manager, Group Manager will show where a group booking may displace higher-yield individual travelers. It will allow the carrier to evaluate ad-hoc groups and series groups — those requesting the same flights over a period of time.
“We expect big improvements in demand forecasts,” said Sami Alan, Turkish’s senior vice president of revenue management. “Revenue Manager 6, coupled with the Group Manager module, will provide substantial marginal revenue contribution over our existing revenue management software.
“The Sabre Airline Solutions team was able to demonstrate the flexibility of the system to match our processes and needs,” Alan said. “This was a refreshing change from the approach of other suppliers out there.”
“In the current airline industry environment of spiraling fuel costs, better management of seat availability and prices is vital to improving revenues and achieving sustained profitability,” said Murray Smyth, Sabre Airline Solutions’ vice-president for the EMEA region.
“This is a great example of Sabre helping airline customers to improve business performance. This is the goal of all our solutions and services, including airline operations, reservations and sales, and agency and Internet distribution,” Smyth added.
Turkish also plans to work with Sabre on its planned entry into the thriving low-fare sector in Europe and the Middle East. It has the option to use the Low Fare Manager module, which provides the means to price effectively, maximize revenues, and compete effectively with low-cost competitors in volatile markets.
The Turkish flag carrier is also in discussions with Sabre over the use of other decision-support and operational products.
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 the first half of 2004, six new carriers signed up the new generation passenger solution, and another three carriers renewed contracts. 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 and nearly 400 have been signed in the first half of 2004.
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, Air Max Revenue Manager, Group Manager, Low Fare Manager, SabreSonic 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
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Kathryn Hayden, 682-605-2252
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SOURCE: Sabre Airline Solutions