So the aggressive guys at Westjet went from announcement to implementation in about 9 months.

WOW!

So that must be a record for an airline of that size to make such a migration in such a period of time.

Kudos to the Sabre team for the work done.

There are some clear lessons here that can be applied to many airlines who are currently reviewing their PSS infrastructure.

The Professor therefore thinks airlines should consider their position as follows:

1. Changing your PSS is not as traumatic as has been believed. If you are focused and set a clear goal and objectives - you can do it in a reasonable time. Remember one of the Professor's cardinal rules - no project should take longer than one year.

2. The complexity of a PSS system is no longer a black art. Focus works.

3. Navitaire is pretty vulnerable and has done little to support the increased complexity of the airline model. Now they are paying the price with major defections of jetBlue and Westjet. There are other customers who are not happy. Chaps - this should be a wake up call.

4. Sabre is VERY hungry and given the loss of their anchor customer American to the new Jetstream product of HP/EDS - you can expect great deals and good service from Dallas - the like of which has not been seen in decades.

5. Amadeus is NOT the only game in town. There are good choices possible, available and desirable. From the big guys (Sabre et al) to the mid/small size guys - Results, Radixx etc.

6. the importance of the Distribution manangement system means you must take the time and have a clear layer between the PSS and the GDSs. Don't believe the BS from the bigger players that their systems answer everything.

7. Examine your costs and check very carefully on the offers from the vendors. Focus on the bottom line not just the headline price. AND make sure that your invoicing works in a comprehensible manner. PSS and GDS vendors have long since obfuscated the true cost of the service.

8. Finally remember that there is the out of pocket cost but also the internal service costs surrounding things. Watch this one.

Cheers
Thanks for reading - private comments please to professorsabena@gmail.com

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