MAXjet Partners with Worldspan for Complete Airline Distribution and MeridianSM Hosting Solution
In addition to Meridian’s core operational systems, carrier chooses Worldspan for global product distribution, market-leading fares and pricing, e-ticketing and e-commerce technologies
CARIBE, June 8, 2006 — Leading airline technology provider Worldspan, L.P. announced a five-year global distribution and airline hosting partnership with Washington, D.C.-based MAXjet, the first all-business class airline offering everyday low fares on transatlantic flights. As a Worldspan Participating Carrier, MAXjet extends the most advanced shopping, booking and electronic ticketing solutions in the airline industry to travel agencies, travel Web sites, corporate travelers and consumers worldwide. To support MAXjet’s core operations, Worldspan developed, operates and maintains end-to-end reservations and departure control systems for the airline.
The comprehensive distribution and airline IT partnership is key to MAXjet’s scheduled all-business class passenger service, which commenced November 1, 2005, with six weekly flights between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and London’s Stansted Airport.
“We scrutinized different technology providers and approaches, and multiple IT solutions, and Worldspan proved the best fit for our needs,” said Gary Rogliano, MAXjet’s chief executive officer. “MAXjet’s business model will allow us to leverage advanced online distribution and booking capabilities, and we need the flexibility Worldspan offers. Worldspan is most adept at dynamically enabling MAXjet’s specialized service offerings and enabling us to operate without restriction in today’s multi-channel distribution environment, anywhere in the world.”
“By outsourcing distribution, hosting and related IT requirements to an experienced global provider, MAXjet is able to focus on its core business, customer care and revenues using the airline industry’s most advanced solutions,” said Kevin Ficco, vice president – Airline Distribution and Business Development for Worldspan. “MAXjet is a valued partner and we will assist their growth through continually enhanced distribution and reservations technologies.”
Additionally, MAXjet chose to become a Participating Carrier at the highest level of airline information and booking connectivity in the Worldspan global distribution system (GDS). Worldspan Airline Source® offers a direct connection with MAXjet’s internal information and reservations system, enabling Worldspan-connected travel agents and online travel bookers, including corporate travelers, to shop and purchase last-seat availability on a real-time basis with MAXjet.
Worldspan Meridian is the core, comprehensive airline technology package for airlines hosted in Worldspan. Meridian automates MAXjet’s global reservations and sales processes, and complete airport passenger operations. Highly developed inventory and reservations management systems are included, as is Worldspan FareSource®, the airline industry’s most comprehensive, accurate and responsive system for distributing flights, fares and rules.
Meridian also includes Worldspan E-Ticket Technologies, in use by MAXjet, which have led the travel industry since 1995. Meridian additionally offers airlines Worldspan e-Pricing®, the global
leader in low-fare shopping; Worldspan Rapid Reprice®, the first and leading airline ticket repricing solution; Worldspan SecuRate® Air Plus, the completely Web-based negotiated fares management solution; Worldspan rental car and hotel booking systems; and Worldspan Web Services, including XML Pro, which MAXjet uses to interface its online consumer travel booking portal to the Worldspan GDS.
MAXjet is among eight airlines that recently chose Worldspan for airline hosting and related IT solutions. Worldspan airline technologies have been deeply rooted in the commercial aviation industry for 30 years. Customized, subscription-based products and services are in use by start-up airlines, corporate fleets and the world’s largest airlines, including world-class carriers Northwest Airlines and Delta Air Lines.
MAXjet Airways is the airline industry’s first all-business class transatlantic carrier to offer everyday low fares for premium service. Operating B767 aircraft configured with 102 business class seats with 60-inch pitch, MAXjet offers upscale meal service, airport lounges and portable on-demand entertainment to its passengers at value-based fares. More information about MAXjet is available at www.maxjet.com.
About Worldspan, L.P.
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®, hosting solutions and customized travel products. Worldspan enables travel suppliers, distributors and corporations to reduce costs and increase productivity with technology like Worldspan Go!® and Worldspan Trip Manager® XE. Worldspan is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Additional information is available at worldspan.com.
Statements in this release and any exhibits hereto which are not purely historical facts, including statements about forecasted financial projections or other statements about anticipations, beliefs, expectations, hopes, intentions or strategies for the future, may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are based upon information available to Worldspan, L.P. (“the Company”) on the date this release was submitted. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Any forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from the events or results described in the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, risks and uncertainties related to: the Company’s revenue being highly dependent on the travel and transportation industries; airlines limiting their participation in travel marketing and distribution services; airlines altering their content or changing the pricing of such content; or other changes within, or that may affect the travel industry or the Company. More information on potential risks and uncertainties is available in the Company’s recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company’s annual Form 10-K report, Forms 10-Q, Forms 8-K and Form S-4. |