New online reservations system and online shopping capabilities to boost customers experience.

Vietnam Airlines, Vietnam's national carrier, has signed two multi-million dollar deals with Sabre Airline Solutions including its comprehensive, modern SabreSonic reservations system. The second deal features a collaboration between Sabre and IBM to provide a world-class online shopping experience via an integrated e-commerce platform.

The SabreSonic Suite is the industry-leading customer sales and service solution, which provides the most comprehensive capabilities in shopping, pricing, ticketing, inventory control, Web and check-in to help airlines best serve their customers. From multi-channel sales to reporting and analysis, the SabreSonic suite provides Vietnam Airlines with the superior customer-focused experience they want while also driving revenue performance.

"Vietnam Airlines has looked long and hard for a technology partner with whom we can create a solid partnership – something we need to continue our growth and to help us reach our business objectives, which includes becoming one of the region's best airlines. We believe we have found that in Sabre Airline Solutions," said Pham Ngoc Minh, President and CEO of Vietnam Airlines.

In a second agreement with Vietnam Airlines, Sabre Airline Solutions worked with IBM to provide the airline with a complete Internet Booking Engine (IBE) that will provide the airline's customers with a wide-ranging menu of services.

IBM's Lotus Web Content Management software will allow Vietnam Airlines to manage its Web site content efficiently and in compliance with business rules and processes.

"Today's busy traveler is looking for easy online options to book and plan trips expeditiously. IBM and Sabre's online solution is designed to handle the end-to-end arrangements of travel, while delivering a superior consumer experience," said Marty Salfen, general manager, Global Travel and Transportation Industry, IBM. "As Vietnam Airlines expands its online presence, the IBE will serve as a critical tool for the customer to browse and buy various services."

The IBE will provide travellers the opportunity to book a variety of ticket options, including multiple connection flights from Vietnam Airlines and its codeshare partners. Travellers can also use the airline's web capabilities for a variety of services including online booking payments, mobile check in, and request special meals. The airline can also offer car and hotel bookings, international content, currencies support and graphical seat maps via the booking engine.

"The online market is rapidly growing, and the travel and aviation market is also exploding," said Mr. Minh. "By providing a new channel for customers to buy tickets from us, we are confident we can help to grow the market even faster."

According to recent figures by IDG Ventures, Vietnam now has more than 18 million Internet users. Just eight years ago, Vietnam had only 500,000 Internet users. IDG Ventures believes there will be 36 million users by 2010. Meanwhile, Vietnam tourism is also growing at double digit rates. The government aims to receive six million foreign visitors and 26 million domestic visitors by 2010.

"Sabre Airline Solutions is investing in this important growing market and would like to help the Vietnam aviation industry, particularly Vietnam Airlines, realize its goals," said Tom Klein, group president of Sabre Airline Solutions and Sabre Travel Network. "Sabre Airline Solutions can make a significant impact here by bringing our proven solutions that address the full range of airline operations – from marketing, selling, serving and operating."

To celebrate these new agreements, Sabre Airline Solutions and Vietnam Airlines participated in a high-profile event this summer hosted by the U.S. Department of Commerce to highlight the strengthening economic relationship between the United States and Vietnam. The event was presided over by U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez and Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung.