| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 21/08/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 24 |
| Copyright: Other |
Information technology service
Amadeus signs £360m systems deal with BA
Report by TANYA JEFFERIES
AMADEUSis looking to develop a new information technology services arm after landing a 10-year deal to handle British Airways’ IT business (Travel Weekly April 24).Until now, the company has focused on its global distribution system and e-commerce operations but it now intends to develop IT services as a third business stem.
Under thedeal with BA, which is worth an estimated £360m, Amadeus will assume control of the carrier’s in-house reservation system, known as the British Airways Booking System. It will also run BA’s inventory and departure control systems and develop a new generation of passenger management systems for the airline.
In addition, Amadeus will take over BA subsidiary Speedwing’s contracts to supply passenger and freight services to 80 other businesses.
An Amadeus spokesman said: “This deal is opening up a completely new area of business for us. We will now be looking to run other airlines’ inventory and departure control systems, and we will be looking beyond airlines for business.”
He added that the move into IT services would allow it to compete with companies which are already established in this field, such as IBM and EDS.