Without Reservations

This article describes the complications that have beset WestJet, the Calgary-based low-cost carrier that was supposed to have been the first launch customer for aiRES, an open-architecture reservations system developed by an India-based company and marketed by Travelport. The new system was to have replaced the airline‘s reservations, scheduling and check-in system. But through a complex series of events, the WestJet-aiRES deal began to fall apart, and the airline signed a new agreement with Navitaire for an upgraded version of OpenSkies, the system aiRES was supposed to replace. The upshot, however, is that WestJet has been unable to make plans to link up with other carriers, causing the airline to lose revenue opportunities. A critic of the airline distribution scene suggested that WestJet’s decision to switch to aiRES was the result of “group-think,” which he complains is common to the airline industry.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00022543
• Authors:
  • McDonald, Michele
• Publication Date: 2007-4

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Illustrations;
• Pagination: pp 46, 48-49
• Serial:
  • ATW: Air Transport World
  • Volume: 44
  • Issue Number: 4
  • Publisher: Penton Media
  • ISSN: 0002-2543

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Airlines; Computer reservation systems; Low cost carriers; Passenger transportation support businesses; Software
• Subject Areas: Aviation; Data and Information Technology;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01050246
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: UC Berkeley Transportation Library
• Files: BTRIS, TRIS
• Created Date: May 4 2007 3:25PM