Air Transport Communications and IT Solutions

RAK Airways, the youngest national carrier of the United Arab Emirates and the first hybrid carrier with low fares and full-service passenger offerings in the Middle East, has selected Horizon, the passenger service solution from SITA, the IT provider for the air transport industry. The airline is reiterating its commitment to satisfy passenger travel needs by selecting Horizon, which will facilitate interlining with other carriers as well as enable exponential growth in the airline's business in the coming years.

Omar Jahameh, CEO of RAK Airways, said: "RAK Airways is on a steady path of growth, thanks to the trust and commitment of our passengers. Signing up with SITA Horizon will meet all of RAK Airways" passenger management needs as well as enable exponential growth in the airline's business in the coming years.

"The SITA solution is very comprehensive and is backed by an investment program at RAK Airways. SITA has the state of the art technology, depth of industry expertise and local presence to work in partnership with us on this very significant implementation. The solution will give us the ability to operate interline partnerships and we are now ready to sign our first interline agreement with a partner carrier."

The six-year, multi-million dollar deal will provide RAK Airways with SITA"s passenger services that are used by more than 120 airlines worldwide. SITA Horizon will provide fare pricing, ticketing, reservations, revenue integrity, passenger revenue accounting, online booking and shopping services. In addition, it will include full departure control services for the airline at its main hub Ras Al Khaimah International Airport. The new integrated system will be used by up to 200 reservations personnel at RAK Airways' headquarters call center, as well as at travel agent offices.

Hani El Assaad, SITA Regional Vice President Middle East and North Africa, said: "SITA Horizon will provide a complete passenger service solution for all areas of RAK Airways' operations. It will allow the airline to develop its strategy of being unique among the region's airlines as a hybrid carrier that offers full service to passengers with interline partnerships with other carriers.

"Passengers will benefit from an integrated solution that takes them through the complete journey with RAK Airways. We are delighted to be working in partnership with this fast-growing and innovative airline."

RAK Airways is the flagship carrier of Ras Al Khaimah, one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates. The airline currently carries just under half a million passengers a year to 11 destinations and plans significant growth over the term of the SITA contract – to the point of carrying around 2.5 million passengers per year.