Air India Logged on to SITA Passenger Service System

Mumbai, March 29 (IANS) Announcing the double migration of Air India and Indian Airlines to SITA's Horizon passenger services system (PSS), Air India said it will now operate as a single unified carrier paving the way for the entry into the Star Alliance in mid-2011.

Anticipating improvement in its revenue channel due to the PSS, Arvind Jadhav, chairman and managing director of Air India, said: "We are expecting a 15 percent improvement in the bottom-line revenue channels as the new system will allow us better management."

The passenger service system allows an airline to sell its seats. It contains information on schedules and fares. The PSS also has a database of reservations and issued tickets.

Jadhav said the airline targets its 30 percent sales to be online in two years.

"We have a vision to make Air India the best airline in Indian aviation and India's ambassador to the world. Our strategic partnership with SITA, which provides services to the air transport industry not only in India but all over the world, is important in helping us achieve this," he told reporters here.

SITA, the leading specialists in air transport communications and IT solutions, completed the migration of the two separate airlines' (Air India and erstwhile Indian Airlines) IT platforms in a record 293 days.

"This included the successful transfer of more than half a million passenger name records (PNRs) with 99.9 percent accuracy," Jadhav said.

SITA's PSS is now established in AI with over a month of daily use and has been integrated into routine operation.

Through the new platform, the airline is presenting its passengers with a more efficient and functionally rich online booking engine, as well as kiosk check-in and web check-in.

Following the initial PSS implementation, SITA is working with Air India to incorporate additional capabilities and further customise its service delivery.

The airline is also planning to implement the new system and integrate it with the cargo delivery by the next year.

SITA has earlier completed such a migration for the Malasiya Airlines, besides a few others.

"The complex double migration to the SITA Horizon platform is a huge achievement and I am delighted with our swift delivery," said Francesco Violante, chief executive officer of SITA.


3. Pvt planes make beeline for Chandigarh
Plane-pooling is clearly infradig for India's top industrialists and politicians. Agriculture minister Sharad Pawar is among the rarity who'll fly into Chandigarh to watch the India-Pakistan semi-final on Wednesday with liquor baron Vijay Mallya. Civil aviation authorities alone have got 30 requests from top honchos to fly into Chandigarh.

So, as Mukesh and Nita Ambani fly into the city, younger brother Anil's wife and kids will come in their own plane. Former aviation minister Praful Patel will come in a Falcon but the plane — like all private jets of others — will have to drop the VVIPs. They will then fly off to Amritsar, Delhi or even distant Dehradun and return at night to fly biggies like Jyotiraditya Scindia and senior Board of Cricket Control in India officials again!

Their planes will be parked as Chandigarh's spacious defence area (used by IAF as its transport base) will park the entourage of Indian and Pakistan prime ministers and the Gandhi family. Authorities expect at least two planes in the Pakistan PM's entourage as an advance party always arrives earlier for foreign heads of state. Also no aircraft
movement will be allowed for about half-an-hour before the VVIP movement of the two PMs happen.

4. InterGlobe General Aviation announces its new entity
Branded as “THE ESTD”, the company has expanded its portfolio from a Business Aviation provider to a new one-stop shop for luxury lifestyle solutions.
InterGlobe General Aviation Private Limited, a subsidiary of InterGlobe Enterprises, has undergone a change in its brand identity and has re-launched to become InterGlobe Established Products Private Limited.

Branded as “THE ESTD”, the company has expanded its portfolio from a Business Aviation provider to a new one-stop shop for luxury lifestyle solutions. THE ESTD will offer an exclusive selection of the world’s most sought after “luxury products”.

From executive jets to super cars, luxurious yachts to high end motorcycles and much more, THE ESTD will aim to provide with a unique experience in their search for the most lavish, exciting and fun  products, coupled with customized and expert solutions to cater to the emerging luxury market. THE ESTD will represent over 20 manufacturers in the region.

Speaking at the launch event in New Delhi, which unveiled the products, Mr. Nigel Harwood, President and CEO, THE ESTD said “We are delighted to announce our new identity and look forward to redefining the luxury landscape here in India and surrounding SAARC and UAE countries. With such iconic global brands, THE ESTD will deliver its customers with the ultimate luxury experience, be it for land, air or water. It’s a company for the Established, by the Established.”

Harwood further added, “The luxury market in India is estimated to grow annually by 25% and with the emergence of young HNI’s who seek thrill and adventure never seen in India before, it creates an interesting and exciting market opportunity”.

THE ESTD today unveiled a large number of products from its new portfolio including the Koenigsegg and Gumpert cars, Vyrus and Hollisters motorcycles, ISA and Arcadia yachts, for which it will have the exclusive representation within the region, as well as other automotive, aqua and boating products covering 11 countries from across the world.

“We would like to be a part of the evolution and progress, bringing to the Indian audience the most exciting supercar in the world, powered with cutting edge technology and innovation, with clear focus on quality and safety. We are very happy to partner with THE ESTD and believe our association will help establish and build Koenigsegg’s presence in the country.” Said Mr. Christian von Koenigsegg, Founder and CEO, Koenigsegg

Mr Roland Gumpert, Managing Director, Gumpert Cars said “Gumpert is an extremely high end car that is synonymous with speed and thrill. Our unique proposition is all our products are seamless synthesis of road and track car, a rare combination that’s a dream come true for every car enthusiast. We are positive that The ESTD network will aid this wonderful automotive garner an encouraging response from SAARC.”

On the occasion, Mr. Volker Sichler of Hollisters Motorcycles, “India is now on a growth path and is expected to become one of the largest luxury markets in the world. An increasingly affluent customer base, quest for one of a kind lifestyle experiences and acquisitions all bode well for the luxury industry here. Hollisters, with the help of THE ESTD, aims to bring the best in biking, offering an exciting, thrilling experience that has never been seen before.”

Ascanio Rodorigo of Vyrus said, “We are very excited to come to India and be a part of the vibrant and changing luxury environment. With THE ESTD we will reach out to the Indian prospective customers and offer them the world’s most powerful production motorcycle with a portfolio of both track and street. And we are sure we will meet with a lot of success!”

Maurizio Baldoni from Arcadia Yachts said, “It is a great thrill to be a part of the exciting Indian market. With the support of THE ESTD and our portfolio of the most innovative range of luxurious yet simple, functional yachts, we are optimistic of recieving the same appreciation that we have recieved the world over.”

Mr Sandro Spaziani from International Shipyards Ancona (ISA) said, “ISA is known across the globe for building innovative pleasure yachts that boast high technology and the most sophisticated designs. For over a decade we have been building products that have been greatly appreciated and now, we extend our offerings to the Indian customers. With THE ESTD, we look forward to building a great relationship and presence in the region.”

By

NEHA JAIN

      

   

     

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