SEOUL – 14 December 2016 – Air Seoul, the new low-cost carrier based at Seoul Incheon International Airport, successfully launched its operations using Horizon® Passenger Management and Distribution provided by air transport technology provider SITA.
The new South Korean airline, which is under the Kumho Asiana Group, operates international flights. As the airline introduced its new flights reservations, check-in, boarding and the various departure control and weight and balance activities were efficiently managed by Horizon. The new airline now flies to 10 destinations across five countries with plans to increase the number of routes throughout 2017.
Ryu Kwang-hee, CEO, Air Seoul, said: “Launching a new airline brings many challenges and it is vital to have strong partners supporting the new operations. SITA brought a depth of industry knowledge and commitment which has proven invaluable. Its Horizon passenger management and distribution system was introduced seamlessly and it is clear that the flexibility of this new generation system will support our growth in the future.”
SITA Horizon Passenger Management and Distribution offers the most comprehensive range of passenger management services available. The system’s modular, flexible and versatile tools ensure speed to market and commercial agility. SITA Horizon will also provide Air Seoul with distribution neutrality guaranteeing unbiased access to every available channel, including all GDS and agency contact centers, alliance and code share partners. SITA’s focus is entirely on the airline’s objectives and this will allow Air Seoul to achieve the ideal distribution channel mix as it grows its business and operations.
Ilya Gutlin, SITA President, Asia Pacific, said: “Air Seoul selected SITA Horizon because of our experience in managing and delivering successful implementations, our knowledge and understanding of the Korean market practices and requirements, and our flexible technology platform which is ideal for a low-cost airline. The successful launch included many tight deadlines but together with the Air Seoul team we made it happen. Our team looks forward to growing the business over the years ahead at this exciting new low-cost carrier in East Asia.”
Horizon Passenger Management and Distribution is the GDS neutral next-generation PSS for airlines. More than 100 airlines and ground handlers currently use it boarding over 131 million passengers each year.
About SITA
SITA is the communications and IT solution provider that transforms air travel through technology for airlines, at airports and on aircraft. The company’s portfolio covers everything from managed global communications and infrastructure services, to eAircraft, passenger management, baggage, self-service, airport and border management solutions. Owned 100% by more than 400 air transport industry members, SITA has a unique understanding of its needs and places a strong emphasis on technology innovation.
Nearly every airline and airport in the world does business with SITA and its border management solutions are used by more than 30 governments. With a presence at more than 1,000 airports around the world and a customer service team of 2,000+ staff, SITA delivers unmatched service to more than 2,800 customers in more than 200 countries.
In 2015, SITA had consolidated revenues of US$1.7 billion. SITA’s subsidiaries and joint ventures include SITAONAIR, CHAMP Cargosystems and Aviareto.