ETW Staff – Mumbai
SITA has partnetred with Orange Business Services (OBS), five regional service providers, to transforming its global network and communication services to offer airlines and airports more value and greater capacity to meet their changing business needs.
The development of the hybrid airline business model, the entry into service of e-enabled aircraft, the adoption of cloud-based solutions and the growing need for flexible on-demand services at airports are some of the major air transport industry trends calling for a new generation of global network services.
Francesco Violante, CEO, SITA, said, “Airlines and other industry players operate on a worldwide scale, and have specific communication needs, especially at airports. It is this challenge of operating efficiently globally, regionally and at the airport that SITA’s new network offering is designed to meet. Together with our strategic partner OBS we are providing a single global service for network management, integration and support. Our new contract and our multi-supplier approach using key regional providers combined with SITA’s specialist experience and presence at 435 airports will provide unique and cost-effective capabilities wherever airlines fly.”
As part of the new connectivity offering, SITA has signed a five-year agreement with OBS, to provide network services in countries and territories worldwide. SITA will provide network services in additional locations directly and will also integrate and manage key regional providers in order to strengthen its global coverage. In addition, SITA is launching seasonal network services at airports, enabling airlines to test new routes, or operate seasonal destinations more cost effectively.
Thierry Bonhomme, CEO, Orange Business Services, said, “We believe that connectivity is key to the digital transformation that the air transport industry is undertaking. We are pleased to strengthen our partnership with SITA to offer the connectivity and operational excellence that this industry needs across the world. To support further the transformation of SITA’s customers beyond connectivity, we are also making available an expanded range of value-added communication services such as contact center solutions or unified communication services. By focusing on each of our strengths we are providing airlines and other industry players the best of both worlds through an integrated global service.”