Amadeus scoops 'Aviation Technology Provider of the Year' award

Amadeus was chosen as the clear winner among other global industry players for its demonstrated commitment in helping airlines, airports and travel agencies increase their efficiencies and effectiveness with its technology solutions.

The award highlights Amadeus' continued service to the travel industry through its ongoing innovation and investment in technology solutions for the travel and tourism sector.

"Winning this award is an honour for us and confirms Amadeus' position as the technology partner of choice for the travel industry in the Middle East,"

said Fernando Cuesta, Executive Director for Amadeus, Middle East and Africa.

"Our team has worked very hard to deliver leading-edge technology, services and extensive travel content to help our customers manage their businesses more efficiently. Being recognized as the 'Aviation Technology Provider of the year' reflects our commitment to delivering innovative end-to-end solutions to the industry. We owe this award to our partners and customers who have supported us and aknowledged our efforts."

At the awards ceremony in Abu Dhabi, Ahmed Youssef, Head of Special Projects, Amadeus, collected the award on behalf of Amadeus.

Some of the achievements that Amadeus received credit for include its recent deal with the Arab Air Carriers Organisation (AACO), wherein Amadeus entered into a 10-year exclusive distribution agreements with 13 leading airlines from the AACO.

The 13 airlines - Air Algérie, Afriqiyah Airways, EgyptAir, Etihad Airways, Kuwait Airways, Libyan Airlines, Qatar Airways, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Sudan Airways, Syrian Arab Airlines, Tunisair Yemen Airways and Royal Air Maroc, account for 68% of reservations made by travel agencies in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Amadeus was also chosen for its track record of success in the region:

Airlines in the Middle East that are currently using Amadeus e-commerce solutions include Etihad, Royal Air Maroc, Middle East Airlines and Qatar Airways. Amadeus is the leading online booking solution provider in the world powering more than 250 websites for over 80 airlines in more than 110 markets.

Etihad Airways, EgyptAir, Libyan Airways, Middle East Airlines and Qatar Airways, all use the Amadeus Altéa Customer Management Solution (CMS) to manage their customers services from reservation to check-in. This new generation technology suite of community-based solutions helps carriers unburden themselves of their legacy systems, pooling their IT costs. 140 different airlines around the world have deployed at least one component of Altéa CMS.

Recently, Amadeus also launched a revolutionary platform that combines the best of both the direct and indirect airline distribution channels, allowing airlines to act more like retailers when selling through the GDS. Developed in collaboration with major carriers across the globe, the Airline Retailing Platform combines the traditional strengths of the GDS - global reach and higher sales - with the efficiency, target marketing and brand differentiation opportunities offered by the airlines' online sales channels.

The annual Aviation Business Awards honours excellence in the travel industry and are voted by an independent panel of judges. The award recognises industry players that stand out in the market place, and excel in terms of innovation and industry contribution.