Amadeus has announced completion of its US$ 830 million acquisition of Navitaire from Accenture. The acquisition marks an important step for Amadeus in the low-cost and hybrid segments of the airline industry, in which Navitaire has a global customer base of more than 50 operators to which it provides revenue-generation and cost-streamlining solutions in the areas of reservations, ancillary sales, loyalty, revenue management, revenue accounting and business intelligence.
Luis Maroto, president and CEO of Amadeus, said, “The addition of Navitaire is an important step for Amadeus, broadening our product portfolio and know-how in the aviation industry. The industry is increasingly complex, with different airlines serving distinctive passenger segments and an increasing cross-over between low-cost and full-service. The combination of the technology and expertise of Amadeus and Navitaire ensures we are better positioned to meet the needs of all our customers.”
Julia Sattel, senior vice president – airline IT, Amadeus, said, “Navitaire is a cultural fit for Amadeus as both companies have a product mindset and deep aviation experience at their core. But there are differences also, and I think the two companies have a great deal to learn from each other and over time, as we get to know each other better, there will be synergies that will benefit our customers.”
Navitaire will become a distinct business line within Amadeus’ airline IT unit, with David P Evans, the current CEO of Navitaire retaining that position. Amadeus will maintain the acquired company’s brand, which will be known as ‘Navitaire, an Amadeus company’.
The addition of Navitaire’s portfolio of products and solutions for the low-cost segment will complement Amadeus’ Altйa Suite of offerings for its full-service carrier customer base, giving the company the ability to serve a wider group of airlines. Amadeus intends to market and sell the two product portfolios separately and will continue to invest in both platforms. As part of the acquisition, approximately 550 Navitaire employees, including the company’s senior management team, will transfer to Amadeus with immediate effect.
Amadeus’ acquisition of Navitaire has now received necessary regulatory approvals, including competition clearance in the US, the European Union and Brazil.
