Austrian Airlines and Sabre launch new mobile flight planning technology

SOUTHLAKE, Texas and VIENNA, Feb. 2, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Austria's flagship carrier, Austrian Airlines, is the world's first airline to launch a new mobile solution, eFlight Manager, developed by Sabre Corporation (NASDAQ: SABR), which will enable real-time NOTAM, weather and flightplan updates throughout the lifecycle of the airline's flights if air-to-ground communication is available in the cockpit.

Austrian Airlines, a long-term customer of Sabre's AirCentre Flight Plan Manager, worked with Sabre to develop the solution's new mobile extension.  The industry-leading technology enables airlines, which operate with the most mobile workforces in the world, to access digital flight planning information anytime, anywhere.  This will help to further improve the safety of flights, by providing pilots with the necessary information to track and avoid bad weather.  Airlines will also be able to adjust fuel calculations based on this data.

Since the launch of the beta phase at the start of November, a small test group at Austrian Airlines has been using the solution inflight on tablet devices.  Through integrated systems and real-time downloads of the latest flight data, Austrian Airlines has been able to achieve a common view between pilots and dispatchers, enabling greater efficiency in flight planning.  The solution will also help the airline improve post-flight analysis and planning by synchronising aircraft and ground-based data. 

"Austrian Airlines is dedicated to using the latest technology across its operations," said Dino Gelmetti, vice president EMEA, Airline Solutions, Sabre. "Our new solution leverages the latest in mobile technology and was created in response to the growing need for more connected airline operations that 'talk' to each other for improved efficiency.  As the first airline to pioneer our mobile flight planning technology, Austrian Airlines will be able to drive greater efficiency and cost savings as well as provide a more seamless and efficient service to its passengers."

Following a successful trial, the airline will roll out the new technology to its entire flight staff of 950 in the coming months, and will start using the mobile recalculation capabilities to realise additional fuel savings and operational efficiencies. 

"Sabre's innovative and industry-leading technology is most in line with our goals of being an airline that is at the forefront of mobile technology in-flight," said Capt. Dr. Philipp Haller, A320-Pilot and EFB-Administrator at Austrian Airlines. "Austrian Airlines has been using Electronic Flight Bags for more than 10 years and eFlight Manager enables us to establish a complete paper-free briefing process including continuous inflight optimisation. We are proud to be the launch partner of Sabre's eFlight Manager technology as it supports our vision to be one of the world's most forward-thinking airlines."

Sabre's technology is favoured by more than 225 airlines worldwide, including most of the world's largest carriers.  Its flexible and scalable software allows airlines to operate how they want to, and adapt their business to changing needs and requirements.  It optimises day-to-day airline operations and ultimately helps airlines solve their biggest challenges – to increase revenues, reduce costs and deliver better travel experiences.

About Austrian Airlines
Austrian Airlines is Austria's largest carrier and operates a global route network of approximately 130 destinations, being particularly dense in Central and Eastern Europe with 37 destinations. Thanks to its favourable geographical location at the heart of Europe, the company's hub at Vienna International Airport is the ideal gateway between East and West. Austrian Airlines is part of the Lufthansa Group, Europe's largest airline group, and a member of the Star Alliance, the first global alliance of international airlines. For additional information visit www.austrian.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or myAustrianBlog.

About Sabre Corporation
Sabre Corporation is a leading technology provider to the global travel and tourism industry. Sabre's software, data, mobile and distribution solutions are used by hundreds of airlines and thousands of hotel properties to manage critical operations, including passenger and guest reservations, revenue management, flight, network and crew management. Sabre also operates a leading global travel marketplace, which processes more than $120 billion of estimated travel spend annually by connecting travel buyers and suppliers. Headquartered in Southlake, Texas, USA, Sabre operates offices in approximately 160 countries around the world.

Media contact:
Jess Matthias
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+44 (0) 208 538 8617

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SOURCE Sabre Corporation

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