Amadeus and IBM deliver state-of-the-art technology to Indian

New Delhi, 19 January 2006: Indian has partnered with Amadeus to implement the first electronic ticketing solution in India with global reach, further strengthening its leadership in the Indian aviation market. The airline will implement Amadeus Electronic Ticket Server (ETS) to fully manage and distribute electronic tickets, including interlining.

This contract with an airline of the Indian subcontinent reinforces Amadeus’ position in the region as the e-ticketing leader, in terms of IT provision as well as e-ticket distribution. The agreement is in relationship with IBM, who will undertake the upgrade of processes and systems at Indian to IATA e-ticketing standards.

"Indian has moved a step forward and will offer e-tickets by the end of this year," said Mr. Anil Goyal, Director Commercial for the airline, which expects to become fully compliant with IATA’s objective to achieve 100% paper-less air travel by end 2007. “We are pleased to partner with Amadeus for the support and e-ticketing solution. Amadeus' commitment to deliver tailored technology solutions that best meet our needs is clear. Its cutting edge e-ticketing system is able to deliver direct business benefits and considerable cost savings to Indian, ensuring the smooth ticketing of flight itineraries."

In addition to drastically cutting Indian’s ticketing costs, Amadeus ETS will help the carrier increase operational efficiency and aid travel agents by reducing the workload associated with the issuing, storage and distribution of traditional tickets. E-ticketing also makes life easier for travellers; check-in is quicker and smoother, travellers can enjoy the speed and convenience of internet check-in or self-service and lost tickets can be quickly and easily replaced. A stand-alone solution, Amadeus ETS will be seamlessly integrated into Indian’s reservations and departure control systems, enabling the carrier to interline efficiently with airlines already part of the Amadeus e-ticketing community, as well as with others on demand.

Amadeus’ Vice President, Airline Business Group, Frédéric Spagnou, said: “We are proud to have been selected by Indian to implement their e-ticketing solution. This deal is especially important to us because of the huge potential of the Indian market and the significant influence of Indian in it. Amadeus will deliver a state-of-the-art solution, supporting future profitable growth for Indian. "

Sharat Bansal, Country Leader, IBM Business Consulting Services, India said “Value creation and competitive differentiation in full service carriers is driven by sound partnership strategies. IBM is pleased to leverage our expertise to help Indian seamlessly integrate with its travel business partners, through this solution. This initiative reiterates our passion and commitment to provide comprehensive business solutions to our clients in the aviation industry in India, by leveraging IBM’s deep airline industry skills and global aviation experience.”

Currently, Amadeus ETS hosts the e-ticket database for 37 airlines and enables interline e-ticketing links with a further 33. There are 220 e-ticketing interline agreements facilitated by Amadeus ETS between airlines worldwide. Amadeus ETS’ database spans more than 125 markets and is constantly updated to reflect industry needs and IATA recommendations.

Amadeus, an IATA preferred e-ticketing technology partner, also facilitates electronic ticket distribution through travel agencies for 117 airlines in a total of 117 markets worldwide - 57 airlines and 23 markets more than its closest competitor1.

1. Amadeus sources. December 2005.


Notes to the editors

Amadeus
Amadeus is the chosen technology partner for providers, sellers, and buyers of travel. The company provides distribution, IT and point-of-sale solutions to help its customers adapt, grow and succeed in the fast changing travel industry. Customer groups include travel providers (airlines, hotels, car rental companies, railway companies, ferry lines, cruise lines, insurance companies and tour operators), travel sellers (travel agencies) and travel buyers (corporations and travellers). Solutions are grouped in four solution categories – Distribution & Content, Sales & e-Commerce, Business Management and Services & Consultancy.

Amadeus has central sites in Madrid (corporate headquarters & marketing), Nice (development) and Erding (Operations – data processing centre) and regional offices in Miami, Buenos Aires and Bangkok. At market level, Amadeus maintains customer operations in 75 countries covering more than 215 markets. The company has over 6,500 employees worldwide, representing 95 nationalities. For the six months ended 30 June 2005, Amadeus reported revenues of €1,226.1m and net income of €154.2m.

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