Canadian carrier will also use Sabre marketing and merchandising tools
SOUTHLAKE, Texas, Feb. 18, 2008 – WestJet, Canada’s leading high-value low-fare airline, has signed a multi-year, full-content agreement with Sabre Travel Network to enhance the airline’s global distribution capabilities.
WestJet also recently selected Sabre Airline Solutions’ SabreSonic Customer Sales and Service (CSS) as its reservations host-provider. This move further enhances the carrier’s ability to provide access to its full range of products and services through the efficiency of the Sabre global distribution system (GDS).
Through the Sabre GDS, Sabre Connected travel agents will have efficient access to all of the growing Canadian carrier’s published fares and inventory including, key capabilities such as last seat availability, codeshare and interlining sales, interactive inventory updates and eticketing. Access to these capabilities through the GDS will streamline the shopping and booking process, driving enhanced productivity for Sabre Connected agencies and corporate travelers using a corporate booking tool powered by Sabre.
WestJet will take advantage of Sabre’s marketing tools and technology to support the airlines continuing growth. The airline will also work with Sabre to facilitate efficient GDS access to any future frequent traveler program and merchandising efforts.
“The Sabre GDS is an important part of our multi-channel distribution strategy because of its ability to deliver the highest yielding guests, its strong global presence and the value it provides in all distribution channels,” said Dr. Hugh Dunleavy, WestJet’s executive vice president, Commercial Distribution. “We believe the Sabre GDS and its efficient technology will help us grow our business and help us continue our solid partnership with the agency community and corporate travelers.”
Sabre officials said its SabreSonic CSS platform, combined with its relationship with Southwest Airlines, will allow for seamless WestJet codeshares and interlining via the Sabre GDS.
“As WestJet continues to expand their network beyond North America, Sabre looks forward to being part of their continued growth and we will provide the strategic marketing and technology solutions to help them succeed,” said David Gross, senior vice president of Airline Distribution for Sabre Travel Network.
About Sabre Travel Network
Sabre Travel Network, a Sabre Holdings company, provides the most comprehensive end-to-end solutions for corporate and leisure travel. The Sabre GDS is the foundation for these solutions, providing a ready-built efficient marketplace that connects travel suppliers, including hundreds of airlines and thousands of hotels, with more than 55,000 travel agency locations. Currently, Sabre collectively handles over 70 percent of the BTN 100 bookings.
Key brands of Sabre Travel Network include GetThere, for corporate travel reservation technology; Nexion, a host agency; SynXis, for hotel reservation management, distribution and technology services; E-site marketing, specializing in online business solutions exclusively for the hospitality industry TRAMS, mid- and back-office solutions and marketing services for travel agencies; and TRAMS Marketing Alliance (TMA), a marketing promotions services for leisure travel agencies.
Sabre Holdings 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.
About WestJet
WestJet is Canada’s leading high-value low-cost airline offering scheduled service throughout its 55-city North American and Caribbean network. Named one of Canada’s most admired corporate cultures in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008, WestJet pioneered low-cost flying in Canada. WestJet offers increased legroom, leather seats and live seatback television provided by Bell TV on its modern fleet of 77 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. With future confirmed deliveries for an additional 44 aircraft, bringing its fleet to 121 by 2013, WestJet strives to be the number one choice for travellers.
This news release contains forward-looking statements related to WestJet’s intention to implement the SabreSonic CSS reservation system and Sabre GDS. Specific statements relate to the anticipated impact of such implementation on WestJet’s future growth plans and guest and travel agent experience. These forward-looking statements are based on WestJet’s current intent, beliefs, and expectations based on current conditions in the industry and are not guarantees of future results. These statements involve risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors that could cause actual results to vary materially from those expressed in or indicated by them. Factors include, among others, (i) the company’s ability to successfully transition to and implement the SabreSonic CCS reservation system and Sabre GDS, (ii) the impact of competitive offerings; (iii) general conditions in the airline industry, (iv) consumer interest in, and demand for, the enhanced product and service offerings; and (v) economic and related uncertainties that could impact the ability of the two companies to fully implement the SabreSonic CCS reservation system. These and additional risk factors are discussed in WestJet’s most recent Annual Information Form (AIF) and in other documents WestJet files from time to time with securities regulatory authorities, which are available through the Internet on WestJet’s SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. Readers are cautioned that undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements as actual results may vary materially from the forward-looking statements. WestJet does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, except as is required by law.
