Iraqi Airways turns to SITA for full IT support services

In a statement today, SITA said that over the next five to seven years, Iraqi Airways will enjoy the advantages of world-class services including: AIRCOM, SITA's aircraft operational communications system, which is used by 180 airlines and 8,500 aircraft worldwide; Horizon, the passenger management and distribution portfolio used by a community of over 130 airlines; and WorldTracer, the industry-standard, fully-automated system for tracing lost and mishandled passenger baggage which is used by more than 450 airlines and ground-handling companies worldwide.

Iraq Airways is believed to have ordered aircraft from Bombardier and Boeing although both are the subject of one of the longest civil legal actions in the world as Kuwait Airways is seeking damages from the theft of its fleet during the Iraq-Kuwait war and has sought to halt the sale of any aircraft to Iraqi until the matter is resolved.

The airline denies charges and is continuing to recreate a successful brand that it enjoyed prior to the wars.  Kifah H Jabar, Director General, Iraqi Airways, said: "This is a proud moment for Iraqi Airways because our adoption of the highest standards in our operation will enable us to develop and grow on the world stage.

"SITA has not only supplied us with the technology but has been a strategic partner as we plan for a new and exciting future for Iraqi Airlines, which in turn will encourage the economic development of the country as a whole."

Hani El Assaad, SITA Regional Vice President Middle East and North Africa,( pictured above) said: "Everything about this project has been a success. What normally would have taken a year has taken SITA, in very close partnership with Iraqi Airways, a mere four months.

 "The migration to Horizon Reservations and Inventory - the heart of any airline's operation - went very smoothly and Iraqi Airways will now be able to reduce its commercial cost by 20% as its plans to grow passenger numbers by more than 15% per year."

 The use of Horizon also includes departure control services (DCS) which manage the passenger at the airport ensuring that all current, and future, IATA and international security rules are respected.

 The unique dedication of SITA to the air transport industry enables it to provide Iraqi Airways with the breadth of communications and IT solutions to operate to global standards including the installation of IP VPN and VSAT network connections across Iraq and the Middle East, with further connections in Europe by the end of this year.

 SITA's flight operations control and scheduled management will support the fleet of 60 aircraft. In addition, AIRCOM data link services will be provided for all of the airline's new aircraft, reducing manual data processes and providing direct data connectivity with air traffic services during flight.

 With this extensive agreement, SITA will also supply, install and maintain all of the IT equipment at the airline's 20 offices across Iraq, including the international airports in Baghdad and Basra and in seven countries worldwide. SITA was chosen because the complexity and scale of the overall infrastructure solution demanded a provider with extensive experience in the provision and support of IT and Telecommunication infrastructures for airlines worldwide.