Etihad Airways Set To Transform Passenger Services System With Sabre

Etihad Airways will make its “Big Switch” to new, state-of-the-art, passenger sales, website, and check-in systems this Saturday, 23 February, the most significant milestone in its US$ 1 billion, ten-year, deal with Sabre Airline Solutions, a press release said.

The Passenger Service System (PSS) transformation project is the most challenging IT and business-critical initiative that the Abu Dhabi-based airline has implemented in its history. It has involved intensive training for 6,700 Etihad Airways and third party staff.

The Big Switch will integrate Etihad Airways’ current PSS into one platform that will utilize cutting-edge software across its reservations, inventory, eCommerce, distribution and departure control activities.

The new Sabre Airline Solutions PSS will offer significant enhancements to the customer experience especially in areas such as mobile and guest communications.

The Big Switch will start on 23 February, and is due for completion on 24 February. Therefore, during 22 and 25 February Etihad Airways asks passengers to follow key guidelines to help ensure any disruption to their travel experience is kept to a minimum.

Important info for passengers flying 22-25 February

The key messages for customers traveling during that period are:
• Arrive at the airport four hours before the flight is due to depart
• Where possible check-in online from 24 hours before departure and print boarding pass beforehand and bring to the airport
• If unable to check-in online bring a copy of email confirmation and / or travel itinerary

In addition to these guidelines, anyone wishing to purchase an upgrade must do so on or before 21 February and any changes to travel arrangements must be made before 22 February.

During the Big Switch weekend customers can still call the Etihad Airways contact centers on +971 2 599 0000 but contact center agents will be unable to take commercial or redemption bookings, make changes or cancellations or process upgrades.

All booking channels will be down from 11pm on Friday 22 February and are expected to resume during the day on Sunday 24 February.

Etihad Airways has begun contacting customers and this will continue as the Big Switch draws closer. The airline’s website will also continue to feature key information as well as Etihad Airways’ Facebook, Twitter and Google+ accounts.