RAK Airways, the national airline of Ras Al Khaimah, has signed up for aiRES, the next-generation passenger service system from IBS Software Services based at Technopark here.

RAK Airways is the fourth airline to select aiRES, and the first in the growing West Asian market. aiRES provides airlines with an innovative and flexible technical foundation to fully support business with efficiency, said Mr V.K. Mathews, Chairman and Managing Director, IBS Group.

The airline has entered into a multi-year agreement with Travelport Inc, the exclusive marketer for aiRES. Travelport is a large travel conglomerate, operating 20 leading brands including Galileo, a global distribution system; Orbitz, an on-line travel agent; and Gullivers Travel Associates, a wholesaler of travel content.

Through its open architecture, aiRES will enable RAK Airways to broaden customer service offerings by integrating its distribution channels with other travel services.

The Travelport partnership with IBS Soft attributes the primary responsibility for product development and support to IBS and the primary responsibility for product management, sales, marketing, and customer relationships to Travelport.

According to Mr Mathews, RAK Airways is already a customer of TopAir, an integrated solution from IBS that automates airline operations.

"The value that we offer airlines in terms of functional enhancements for passenger systems and operations has now been further endorsed by RAK Airways."

The new technology also enables other important customer service functions, including self-service capabilities on the Web and at the airport, resulting in improved customer relationships and increased efficiency.

Mr Flo Lugli, Senior Vice-President, Airline solutions, Travelport Inc, said RAK Airways is a new carrier with tremendous opportunity for growth.

aiRES would allow RAK to respond quickly to an evolving market, without the need for complex and costly development.