In order to reduce spending, Saudi Arabian Airlines has transitioned from traditional telephonic communication modes to an IP telephony system, which now covers its worldwide network, according to a press statement from service provider SITA.
A spokesperson from the firm, which operates as Saudia, issued a statement talking about the benefits that the changes in technology, which are part of a long-term strategy, will bring to Saudia. It said:
“It will provide Saudia with significant savings by eliminating international calls among its 151 offices around the world. The new solution is part of the International Managed Converged Advanced Network program (IMCAN), a multi-million dollar, five-year, strategic project run by Saudia and SITA to implement a complete IP-based IT infrastructure in all Saudia offices globally.”
So far, Saudia’s branches in the Asia-Pacific, South Asia, North America and Europe regions, as well as its domestic branches and a number in the Middles East, are all inter-linked through SITA’s IP network. As a result, there is no longer the same need for expensive public systems.
The release also states that as many as 300 legacy-leased lines, as well as 5,000 servers, printers and desktops, have been replaced by IMVAN at 100 city offices and airports in more than 50 countries.
It then added that part of the plan is to offer a platform which will allow the airline to implement commercially critical applications, such as a new management system for passengers. This will enable Saudia to offer additional mobility services, like self-boarding, remote checking-in facilities and mobile boarding tickets.
SITA’s Vice President of Sales for Turkey and the Middle East, Ibrahim Saleh, said that integrating voice-over-IP is the natural step for Saudia to take. He added that through IP connectivity, the organisation is making the most of the power of converged networks and taking advantage of substantial cost-cutting opportunities.
