Gulf Air signs new technology agreement with Sabre to streamline operations

Sabre technology to help Bahrain’s national carrier achieve improved operational efficiency.

SOUTHLAKE, Texas and Muharraq, Bahrain, January 5, 2016 – 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.