SITA and loyaltyplus to simplify frequent flyer programmes

GENEVA – 23 February, 2010 – In a move to provide airlines of all sizes with the ability to have a frequent flyer programme, SITA today announced a partnership with leading customer loyalty specialist, LoyaltyPlus, to integrate their solutions into SITA’s Horizon portfolio of passenger services which are used by more than 130 airlines.

Len Lubbe, Managing Director of the South Africa-based LoyaltyPlus, said: “Our extensive experience in the delivery of loyalty solutions is proven not only in airlines, such as Air Austral and the CelesteAir group but also across other industries including banking, hotels and retail. Through this partnership with SITA, we are able to offer airlines a unique and adaptable system to manage a frequent flyer programme that will have a clear and quick return on investment.”

Horizon FrequentFlyer is an adaptable and customizable solution designed to meet the exact business needs of the airline. It has already been implemented by five SITA customers who previously had no frequent flyer programmes and it is expected that up to 15 airlines will adopt the solution in the near future.

Brian Cook, SITA Senior Vice President, Passenger Solutions, said: “This is part of our ongoing programme to migrate core passenger management systems to a next-gen technology platform using open systems. Enabling airlines to retain loyal customers is key and by integrating the frequent flyer solution with other passenger management components, SITA will empower airlines to improve their service through recognizing customers’ preferences and special needs while also understanding their overall value to the airline.”

The system has the flexibility to be run in-house or as an ASP (application service provider) solution. This ensures that airlines can benefit quickly from a customer loyalty programme but with a low upfront investment and with costs that are aligned with their current business.

Designed to be accessible both in terms of price as well as functionality to all airlines, Horizon FrequentFlyer at the highest level offers a complete suite of capabilities, including CRM and campaign management, while the entry level offers an affordable solution for airlines with less sophisticated frequent flyer requirements.

About SITA
SITA is the world's leading specialist in air transport communications and IT solutions. SITA delivers and manages business solutions for airline, airport, GDS, government and other customers over the world’s most extensive network, which forms the communications backbone of the global air transport industry.

SITA’s portfolio includes managed global communications, infrastructure and outsourcing services, as well as services for airline commercial management and passenger operations, flight operations, aircraft operations and air-to-ground communications, airport management and operations, baggage operations, transportation security and border management, cargo operations and more. With a customer service team of over 1,600 staff around the world, SITA invests significantly in achieving best-in-class customer service, providing integrated local and global support for both its communications and IT application services.

SITA has two main subsidiaries:
OnAir, which is the leading provider of in-flight connectivity, and CHAMP Cargosystems, the world's only IT company dedicated solely to air cargo. SITA also operates two joint ventures providing services to the air transport community: Aviareto for aircraft asset management and CertiPath for secure electronic identity management.

SITA is one of the world's most international companies. Its global reach is based on local presence, with services for around 550 air transport industry members and 3,200 customers in over 200 countries and territories. In 2009, the company celebrates 60 years in business. Set up in 1949 with 11 member airlines, SITA today employs people of more than 140 nationalities, speaking over 70 different languages. SITA had consolidated revenues of over US$1.47 billion (€1.13 billion) in 2008.

For further information go to www.sita.aero