Kingfisher picks Worldspan's global distribution services

BY A CORRESPONDENT
May 22, 2006

Vijay Mallya owned Indian carrier Kingfisher Airlines has signed a new participating carrier agreement with global travel technology provider Worldspan, LP. Kingfisher Airlines schedules, availability and fares are available through the Worldspan global distribution system (GDS) to worldwide points of sale.

"Worldspan has a strong international presence and sets the pace globally in airline merchandising, selling and ticketing technologies. We currently operate 70 flights daily across India and with expansion plans under way, we're confident Worldspan's proven distribution performance will help us meet our business goals. We look forward to steady growth through this partnership," said Nigel Harwood, COO for Kingfisher Airlines.

"We share Kingfisher Airlines' commitment to serving India's travel market through our proven technologies and competitive content. As a Worldspan participating carrier, Kingfisher will benefit from airline-focused solutions that boost revenues and ensure the best customer care," said Kevin Ficco, vice president - Airline Distribution and Business Development for Worldspan.

Kingfisher Airlines' participation in Worldspan provides the airline with Worldspan AccessPlus(SM) technology, which supports increasing airline technology requirements and business goals. It allows airlines to communicate interactively with travel retailers and provide more extensive data electronically during the sales process, including last-seat
availability, live seat maps and instant confirmations. In addition, airlines can transmit record locators upon completion of transactions and immediately decrement inventory once flights are sold, streamlining airline inventory management.

Kingfisher Airlines, which commenced operations in May 2005, is India's first and only private airline to receive the Best New Airline of the Year award in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East region from the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA). Kingfisher Airlines is a wholly owned subsidiary of United Breweries Holdings Limited, an investments
holding company of the UB Group, one of India's largest conglomerates.

Worldspan is a leader in travel technology services for travel suppliers, travel agencies, e-commerce sites and corporations worldwide. Utilizing some of the fastest, most flexible and efficient networks and computing technologies, Worldspan provides comprehensive electronic data services linking approximately 700 travel suppliers around the world to a global customer base. Worldspan offers industry-leading Fares and Pricing technology such as Worldspan e-Pricing(R), hosting solutions, and customized travel products. Worldspan enables travel suppliers, distributors and corporations to reduce costs and increase productivity with technology like Worldspan Go!(R) and Worldspan Trip Manager(R) XE. Worldspan is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.