Multi-Million Dollar Deals Introduce New Online Reservations
System and Online Shopping Capabilities That Will Significantly Boost
Customer Experience
SOUTHLAKE, Texas--(Business Wire)--
Vietnam Airlines, Vietnam's national carrier, has signed two
multi-million dollar deals with Sabre Airline Solutions including its
comprehensive, modern SabreSonic reservations system. The second deal
features a collaboration between Sabre and IBM to provide a
world-class online shopping experience via an integrated e-commerce
platform.
The SabreSonic Suite is the industry-leading customer sales and
service solution, which provides the most comprehensive capabilities
in shopping, pricing, ticketing, inventory control, Web and check-in
to help airlines best serve their customers. From multi-channel sales
to reporting and analysis, the SabreSonic suite provides Vietnam
Airlines with the superior customer-focused experience they want while
also driving revenue performance.
"Vietnam Airlines has looked long and hard for a technology
partner with whom we can create a solid partnership - something we
need to continue our growth and to help us reach our business
objectives, which includes becoming one of the region's best airlines.
We believe we have found that in Sabre Airline Solutions," said Pham
Ngoc Minh, President and CEO of Vietnam Airlines.
In a second agreement with Vietnam Airlines, Sabre Airline
Solutions worked with IBM to provide the airline with a complete
Internet Booking Engine (IBE) that will provide the airline's
customers with a wide-ranging menu of services.
IBM's Lotus Web Content Management software will allow Vietnam
Airlines to manage its Web site content efficiently and in compliance
with business rules and processes.
"Today's busy traveler is looking for easy online options to book
and plan trips expeditiously. IBM and Sabre's online solution is
designed to handle the end-to-end arrangements of travel, while
delivering a superior consumer experience," said Marty Salfen, general
manager, Global Travel and Transportation Industry, IBM. "As Vietnam
Airlines expands its online presence, the IBE will serve as a critical
tool for the customer to browse and buy various services."
The IBE will provide travellers the opportunity to book a variety
of ticket options, including multiple connection flights from Vietnam
Airlines and its codeshare partners. Travellers can also use the
airline's web capabilities for a variety of services including online
booking payments, mobile check in, and request special meals. The
airline can also offer car and hotel bookings, international content,
currencies support and graphical seat maps via the booking engine.
"The online market is rapidly growing, and the travel and aviation
market is also exploding," said Mr. Minh. "By providing a new channel
for customers to buy tickets from us, we are confident we can help to
grow the market even faster."
According to recent figures by IDG Ventures, Vietnam now has more
than 18 million Internet users. Just eight years ago, Vietnam had only
500,000 Internet users. IDG Ventures believes there will be 36 million
users by 2010. Meanwhile, Vietnam tourism is also growing at double
digit rates. The government aims to receive six million foreign
visitors and 26 million domestic visitors by 2010.
"Sabre Airline Solutions is investing in this important growing
market and would like to help the Vietnam aviation industry,
particularly Vietnam Airlines, realize its goals," said Tom Klein,
group president of Sabre Airline Solutions and Sabre Travel Network.
"Sabre Airline Solutions can make a significant impact here by
bringing our proven solutions that address the full range of airline
operations - from marketing, selling, serving and operating."
To celebrate these new agreements, Sabre Airline Solutions and
Vietnam Airlines participated in a high-profile event this summer
hosted by the U.S. Department of Commerce to highlight the
strengthening economic relationship between the United States and
Vietnam. The event was presided over by U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos
M. Gutierrez and Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung.
About Sabre Airline Solutions
The world's leading provider of integrated solutions and services
for airlines and airports, Sabre Airline Solutions helps companies
generate more revenue by optimizing performance in 14 key areas of
airline operations. More than 200 leading carriers and 100 airports
use Sabre Airline Solutions to better market their schedules, sell
their products, serve their customers and operate efficiently. Sabre
Airline Solutions was founded in 1960. For more information on Sabre
Airline Solutions, please visit www.sabreairlinesolutions.com
Sabre Holdings
Nancy St. Pierre, 682-605-3864
Nancy.st.pierre@sabre.com
Copyright Business Wire 2008
