Qatar Airways goes live on Oracle E-Business Suite

Qatar Airways' e-business transformation is complementing other projects such as the expansion of its fleet, the launch of new destinations, the rejuvenation of the present airport, and planning for the new $2 billion Doha International. Oracle E-business Suite enables Qatar Airways to have an up-to-the-minute view of its business, allowing the organization to make informed decisions during this period of critical development and investment while streamlining business process and improving efficiencies.

Mr. Akbar Al Baker, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Qatar Airways said: "Having immediate access to accurate information is imperative for Qatar Airways as we embark upon the most comprehensive growth initiative ever in the history of Qatar's transportation sector,"

"To become a truly world-class airline, we require a world-class IT infrastructure, and our relationship with Oracle enabled Qatar Airways to achieve a number of key business objectives. As the aviation industry becomes increasingly competitive, Qatar Airways will remain a leader through the improved efficiencies acquired via Oracle E-Business Suite." Al Baker added.

As part of its new strategy, Qatar's national airline has set measurable financial goals, such as reducing finance and administrative costs, while cutting IT-related expenses and improving internal efficiencies. Being live on Oracle E-Business Suite, Qatar Airways can 'manage by fact' through the provision of timely, consistent, accurate, and enterprise-wide information. An enhanced understanding of the organization's financials is particularly vital in light of Qatar Airways' plans to double its fleet from 27 to 52 in the next five years.

Since Qatar Airways also is increasing the number of destinations to 60 in the next couple of years, the human resources component of the company's e-business strategy is key factor to the project's overall success. Initially, more than 4000 Qatar Airways staff can now benefit from the self-service and payroll components of the Oracle E-Business Suite. The Oracle solution's Web accessibility will enable greater connectivity for Qatar Airways' widely dispersed staff, as they travel to destinations throughout Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.

Husam Dajani, Vice President, Oracle Middle East commented: "The extremely slim margins witnessed by the aviation industry mean that airlines must optimize their technology investments, and drive down operational costs wherever possible. Qatar Airway's e-business strategy is on course to increase the organization's profitability by reducing expenses, benefiting the bottom line at a critical time within Qatar Airway's corporate evolution."

"The ability to make faster, more informed financial decisions further enables Qatar Airways to capitalize on new opportunities as the company expands its market reach." Dajani concluded.

A number of Middle East-based aviation organizations in addition to Qatar Airways are reaping the business benefits of the Oracle E-Business Suite these include Emirates Airlines, Gulf Air, and Royal Jordanian.