Anyone who saw the recent box-office hit "Avatar" would have been captivated by the movie's breathtaking 3D animation.
Avatar was created using the latest in film-making technology - innovative 3D filming that has set a new standard for high-tech movies. Not only did this technology create a whole new world in Avatar the movie, but it also represented the emergence of a whole new world in the film-making industry.
It never ceases to amaze me how technology can shape and revolutionise so many facets of life. Technology is changing the way that many of us communicate and socialise, through the evolution of mobile devices and social-networking sites. Technology is also changing the way that we do business and the way that many industries operate. One such example is the aviation industry.
Most airlines used to operate on technology systems that were 30 years old, creating severe limitations. They were unable to record important passenger information, or automatically ensure that extra care was taken with their most loyal customers. They were spending vast amounts of time loading data manually into legacy systems, and enormous amounts of money on system maintenance.
Today, things are changing. Airlines have rapidly recognised that by outsourcing their IT, they can access new technology that will give them more flexibility in their business structure and achieve cost savings. While the airline industry has been somewhat behind other industries in this respect, we are now entering a whole new world in airline technology and passenger service.
Amadeus is the "Avatar" of the global travel and tourism industry - the first organisation to make this alternate world of IT solutions a reality with our game-changing passenger service system for airlines called Alt?a.
The most advanced technology can help an airline to have all of its reservation and inventory information pre-loaded into its systems, without having whole teams of people spending time manually loading it. That means real-time booking information from multiple sources, be it a travel agency, a travel website or a call centre. The system automatically ensures that loyal customers are seated in their preferred areas of the plane, and bags get to the right destination for the right passenger. Human error is eliminated.
All these benefits mean a better flight experience for passengers - a whole new world of air travel.
Airlines such as Qantas, Finnair, Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific are already using this technology, and others are quickly following suit. Over the course of 2009, Amadeus' data centre processed 238 million passengers from airlines using Alt?a.
Today, airlines are recognising that they have to abandon their old strategy of maintaining an in-house IT system, in order to avoid being left behind. After all, they outsource many other areas of their business, such as aircraft maintenance, entertainment systems and provision of in-flight supplies. It makes sense that IT should be no different.
Technology represents change that will bring better service, more personalised options and a smoother travel experience. Just as Avatar introduced us to a new world in film, we will all soon enjoy a new world of travel, brought to life through new technology.
David Brett is president of Amadeus Asia Pacific.
Via: The Nation
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