Canada´s WestJet Announces Multi-Year Agreement with Cendant Travel Distribution Services to Launch aiRES

aiRES is being jointly brought to the market through a business alliance between Cendant TDS and IBS Software Services. According to Cendant, Canadian low-cost carrier WestJet is the launch customer for the new airline reservation platform and is serving as a co-development partner to ensure that aiRES continues to offer industry leading features and functionality.

Don Bell, executive vice president, WestJet said that aiRES´ open architecture and flexibility will allow WestJet to more effectively implement change and quickly respond to market conditions.

“aiRES is an innovative new passenger services platform designed to replace less flexible, more expensive, older legacy airline hosting systems. The system supports an airline´s ability to be more efficient, agile and innovative in a rapidly changing airline environment. WestJet will implement this integrated, multi-hosting system to effectively manage its passenger reservations, inventory control, fares, ticketing, and departure control functions," said Cendant in a statement.

aiRES, built on new technology and designed with an open, multi-layered modular architecture, provides the utmost flexibility by enabling business model changes without making major changes directly to the software.

"In addition, aiRES can enable airlines to integrate their distribution channels with other travel services. This architecture could, for example, allow a customer returning a rental car at the airport to simultaneously receive an airline boarding pass, or while checking in at an airport kiosk, customers can book a hotel or make dinner reservations at a local restaurant. The new technology will also enable functionality that supports improved customer service and increased efficiencies for the airline, such as a three-step booking process and very fast check-in," said Cendant.