Canadian airline WestJet is aiRES launch customer

IBS Software Services today announced that WestJet, the No. 2 Canadian airline, has entered into a multi-year agreement for aiRES, the new generation Passenger Services System (PSS), developed by IBS in collaboration with Cendant Travel Distribution Services (TDS). WestJet, which is Canada's leading low-cost airline, was also named Canada's most respected corporation for customer service in 2005. aiRES (formerly known as iRes) will replace WestJet’s current reservation, scheduling and check-in systems.

Making the announcement, Mr. V K Mathews, Chairman and Managing Director, IBS said, "This is a very important milestone in the business life cycle of aiRES. WestJet is one of the most admired corporations in Canada and a highly respected name in the airline industry for innovative business thinking and practice. It is a matter of exceptional pride for us that one of the most reputed new generation airlines in the world has signed up for aiRES. Our vision for aiRES is to make it the leading passenger services system for the air transportation industry, and with this achievement we are on the right track to get there."

aiRES is IBS’ 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. WestJet, the launch customer for the new airline reservation platform, now also serves as a co-development partner.

Built on new technology and designed with an open, multi-layered modular architecture, aiRES 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.

Don Bell, Executive Vice President, WestJet added, "We’ve worked closely with IBS and Cendant TDS to develop an integrated system that will provide WestJet with innovative, industry-leading technology that will enable WestJet to continue to have a competitive advantage. aiRES’ open architecture and flexibility will allow WestJet to more effectively implement change and quickly respond to market conditions. Over the past year, our teams have worked together to ensure that WestJet had the right foundation for success in executing against our business strategy, and the tools to be able to respond to changing market and competitive conditions. Cendant TDS and IBS have been able to deliver based on our unique needs, and we’re excited about the future opportunities that await us."

"The airline industry has long needed a new Passenger Service System that more effectively supports rapidly changing business processes and evolving business models," said Flo Lugli, Senior Vice President, Airline Solutions for Cendant TDS. "WestJet’s commitment demonstrates the advantages in our technology and flexible business approach."

Lugli added, "aiRES delivers a new level of service that the airline industry has never experienced before. With our unmatched portfolio of assets, Cendant TDS drives innovative business models that can help deliver more business to airlines and lower transaction costs. WestJet has always been an innovative and progressive carrier. This is particularly significant because we seek partners who believe in a collaborative and highly aligned business approach."
aiRES is jointly brought to market through a business alliance between IBS and Cendant TDS. Cendant TDS is responsible for the sales, marketing, product management and customer relationships for the aiRES product while IBS manages product development, technical support and maintenance. More information on aiRES can be obtained at www.go-aiRES.com.

About IBS Software Services

The IBS Group (IBS) is a leading IT solutions provider to the global Travel, Transportation and Logistics industry. A specialist in the domain, IBS offers a range of software solutions that manage mission-critical operations of major airlines, airports, oil and gas companies and seaports world-wide. In addition, IBS offers services that include software development, business and technology consulting, turnkey solutions, customer support services, application maintenance, and business process outsourcing. IBS is SEI CMM Level-5 assessed, ISO 9001:2000 and TickIT certified, and operates two software production and competence development centres in India. With some of the world’s leading corporations as clients, IBS has business operations in the Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific as well as the Middle East and Africa regions. More information about IBS can be found on the web at www.ibsplc.com. For media enquiries, please contact Pradeep P. Suthan at +91-471-2700080 or at pradeeps@ibsplc.com.

About WestJet

WestJet is Canada's leading low-cost airline offering scheduled service throughout its 34-city North American network. Named Canada's most respected corporation for customer service in 2005, WestJet pioneered low-cost high-value flying in Canada. With increased legroom and leather seats on its modern fleet of Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft, and live seatback television on its 737-700 fleet, WestJet strives to be the number one choice for travellers. Visit www.westjet.com for more information.

About Cendant Travel Distribution Services

Cendant Corporation’s (NYSE: CD) Travel Distribution Services Division, is one of the world’s largest and most geographically diverse collections of travel brands and distribution businesses. The division, employing nearly 9,000 people in approximately 120 countries, includes: a leading global distribution services (GDS) company (Galileo), serving more than 44,000 travel agencies and over 60,000 hotels; hotel distribution and services businesses (Neat Group®, THOR®, TRUST and WizCom®); leading online travel agencies (CheapTickets®, ebookers.com®, HotelClub.com, Lodging.com, Orbitz®, and RatesToGo.com); an airline market intelligence company (Shepherd Systems); an international travel technology and software company (Travelwire); a leading international provider of long-haul air travel and travel product consolidator (Travel 2®/Travel 4®); online global corporate travel management solutions (Orbitz for Business® and Travelport®); and a leading wholesaler and global online provider of hotels, destination services, travel packages and group tours (Gullivers Travel Associates, OctopusTravel.com® and Travel Bound, Inc.).