New airline IT system will simplify and enhance all online and face-to-face business interactions between Kuwait Airways and its customers

Kuwait City, Kuwait, 17 May 2017

After nine months of preparation, data-transfers, operations and staff training, testing (and re-testing), Kuwait Airways has announced that on Friday 19 May, it will implement its cut-over to the world-leading, Amadeus Altéa Suite – for its new inventory, reservations, ticketing and loyalty systems.

According to Kuwait Airways’ Director of IT and Project Director for the Amadeus Implementation, Abdulmunim Abdulsalam, the cut-over represents a “revolution” in the way the airline will be able to interact with its passengers, customers, as well as its business and travel industry partners.

“The Amadeus Altéa Suite is a comprehensive Passenger Service System (PSS) that will simplify and enhance all online and face to face business interactions between Kuwait Airways and our customers,” says Abdulsalam.

“The project has been divided into two phases: the first being the Inventory Reservations, Ticketing and Loyalty system, which we will cut-over to on the night of 19-20 May; the second being the Departure Control System (DCS), which will be introduced from June onwards, starting with Kuwait Airways domestic and international stations,” Abdulsalam continued.

“While the implementation process has been a huge undertaking, it is a once in a generation exercise that was necessary for Kuwait Airways to undertake, so that we can compete effectively in the modern aviation business environment,” Abdulsalam added.

Kuwait Airways has stated that customers should be aware that the cut-over process may cause some temporary interruptions to its reservation services.

In order to minimise disruption, Kuwait Airways suggests customers avoid using its reservation services between the hours of 7 p.m., on 19 May, and 6 a.m., on 20 May.

Kuwait Airways has also confirmed that it will be using its social media platforms to inform the general public about the cut-over, but has stressed that these channels will provide information updates and will not act as a substitute for reservation services, during the system’s down-time.

“Amadeus Altéa provides airlines around the world with a springboard to growth through cutting edge technology, supported by our deep understanding of the airline business,” says Maher Koubaa, Vice President, Head of Airline Group, Middle East and Africa at Amadeus.

“We have been working side by side with Kuwait Airways as a business partner to ensure a timely and effective implementation, adapted to the unique needs of the airline. There is a lot to look forward to as we continue to work together to realise the airline’s transformation strategy, supported by the complete suite of Altéa solutions,” Koubaa added.

From the commercial perspective, it is claimed that the introduction of the Amadeus Altéa Suite will be an effective tool to optimise sales, revenue generation and growth – across multiple distribution channels.

-Ends-

About Kuwait Airways
Kuwait Airways (KU: IATA, KAC: ICAO) is the official national carrier of the State of Kuwait.

Established in 1953 as a private company, the airline was initially 50 per cent owned by the Kuwaiti government. In 1962, the government assumed 100 per cent ownership, making it the longest serving, official state carrier operating from the Arabian Gulf Region.

In 2016, Kuwait Airways announced a five-year transformation strategy with a mandate of reasserting the official national carrier of Kuwait’s proud legacy and status within the regional aviation market, while also reclaiming the position as the “preferred airline linking Kuwait to the world”.

A member of the Arab Air Carriers Organisation and employing over 4,800 people, Kuwait Airways’ head office is in the heart of Kuwait City, close to Kuwait International Airport (KWI). The airline currently provides regular scheduled services to 36 international destinations in the Far East, Middle East, Europe and North America.

In 2017, the airline is expected to cross the milestone of serving over three million passengers, per year.

Kuwait Airways’ fleet of 25 aircraft currently consists of 6 x B777-300ER, 7 x A320-200CEO (completed delivery Q2 2015), 5 x A330s (completed delivery Q4 2015), 4 x A340-300, 2 x Boeing 777-200, and 1 x Boeing 747-400.

On 9th December 2016, Kuwait Airways received the first of 10 Boeing 777-300ER and on 1st January 2017 received the second aircraft. The expected delivery of the 10th and final aircraft, from this order, is in Q3 2017. Further additions to the fleet will include 15 A320neo and 10 A350 (arriving from 2019). Once the delivery of these new aircraft are concluded, Kuwait Airways will boast the youngest commercial airline fleet in the world.

© Press Release 2017