Gulf Air signs new technology agreement with Sabre to streamline operations

SOUTHLAKE, Texas and MUHARRAQ, Bahrain, Jan. 5, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Sabre Corporation (NASDAQ: SABR), the leading technology provider to the global travel industry, has signed a new technology agreement with Bahrain's national carrier, Gulf Air, to provide its AirCentre Flight Plan Manager solution to streamline the airline's operations.

For the past eight years, Gulf Air has been using AirCentre Flight Plan Manager to achieve significant cost savings whilst enabling key flight planning decisions.  Under the renewed agreement, the solution will be vital in strengthening the national carrier's position within the regions it serves.  Sabre's technology will play a crucial role in helping the airline to deliver a wide range of enhancements in flight planning, fuel saving and operational efficiency.

Captain Nasser Al Salmi, Gulf Air Chief Operating Officer, spoke of the planned upgrade: "AirCentre Flight Plan Manager offers an essential technology solution in support of Gulf Air's operations. With this solution, we can accurately calculate fuel usage, in turn supporting our drive to better manage and reduce fuel costs. This upgrade can only further benefit Gulf Air as we continually work towards operating in the most efficient and cost-effective manner and maintaining the highest level of service for our passengers."

"We look forward to our continued work with Sabre in securing the best technology solutions available to optimize Gulf Air's day-to-day operations, while ensuring the best travel experiences," said Dr. Jassim Haji, Gulf Air Director of Information Technology.

"It is increasingly evident to us that Gulf Air is enjoying greater success and has a clear path for continued growth over the coming years," said Dino Gelmetti, vice president Airline Solutions EMEA, at Sabre.  "Sabre is fully committed to helping Gulf Air deliver that strategy by providing technology that can help streamline its operations.  Flight Plan Manager is based on flexible and adaptable technology infrastructure designed to enable airlines to maintain a modern operational environment, evolving with an airline's needs as the dynamic marketplace changes."

Sabre Flight Plan Manager brings together real-time information on a number of key variables – including weather, air space restrictions, aircraft performance and schedule information – and then calculates the most optimal flight route.  This automation supports flight planning decision-making across all operations, enabling airlines like Gulf Air to address key ongoing concerns, such as fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions.

Gulf Air is one of a growing number of carriers using Sabre's airline technology.  Globally, Sabre's technology is used by 225 airlines, including most of the world's largest carriers. Sabre's broad suite of flexible and scalable software solutions allows airlines to operate how they want to and adapt their business to changing needs and requirements. Sabre's solutions optimize day-to-day airline operations and ultimately help carriers solve their biggest challenges – driving increased revenues, reducing costs and delivering better travel experiences.

About Sabre 
Sabre Corporation is the leading technology provider to the global travel 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.

About Gulf Air
Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, commenced operations in 1950, becoming one of the first commercial airlines established in the Middle East. Today, Gulf Air is a major international carrier serving 43 cities in 24 countries spanning three continents. The airline operates one of the largest networks in the Middle East, with double daily flights to over 10 regional cities, from its hub at Bahrain International Airport. Gulf Air serves all its destinations with a combination wide and narrow body fleet totalling 28 modern aircraft. Renowned for its traditional Arabian hospitality, evidenced by the airline's signature family and business friendly products, Gulf Air is committed to being an industry leader and developing products and services that reflect the evolving needs and aspirations of its passengers.

Gulf Air connects Bahrain to the world and, as such, is a key national infrastructure asset, serving as a powerful driver for the economy and supporting the Kingdom's on-going economic growth.

Gulf Air was the Title Sponsor of the 2015 FORMULA 1 GULF AIR BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX and is the Official Airline of the Bahrain International Airshow 2016.

Media contacts:
Sabre
Jess Matthias [email protected] 
Fatin Said [email protected]

Gulf Air
Azza Mubarak Matar
Senior Manager Communications
Gulf Air Tel: +973 17338765 / +973 39652012
Email: [email protected]

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SOURCE Sabre Corporation

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