Sabre Holdings acquires Flight Explorer
Industry’s leading provider of Aircraft Situation Display Solutions to join Sabre Airline Solution portfolio
SOUTHLAKE, Texas, Sept. 11, 2008 – Sabre Holdings today announced the acquisition of Flight Explorer, the leading provider of Commercial Aircraft Situation Display (ASD) solutions providing real-time tracking, reporting, and display of en-route aircraft. This acquisition is part of Sabre’s long-term growth plans and continual investments in the company’s airline portfolio.
Today’s acquisition combines two exceptional industry leaders, resulting in a powerful flight planning solution that will help airlines optimize operational efficiencies and realize cost-saving benefits.
Flight Explorer, and its products, will become part of Sabre Airline Solutions, the world's leading provider of integrated solutions and services for airlines and airports.
“The addition of Flight Explorer, with its outstanding flight tracking and airspace monitoring capabilities, to Sabre’s comprehensive portfolio of solutions positions us to be the unique provider of a fully integrated, world-class flight planning and aircraft tracking solution,” said Steve Clampett, president of Airline Products and Solutions for Sabre Airline Solutions. “We have enjoyed a strong working relationship with Flight Explorer for many years and are now proud to make them a part of Sabre.”
Flight Explorer products will be fully integrated with Sabre’s Dispatch Manager, part of Sabre Airline Solutions’ Flight Planning suite. The two companies will provide airlines a solution that will give them access to critical, real-time operational information and world-class flight plan optimization, helping pre-empt delays, among other benefits.
Flight Explorer’s products will also be available to global aviation customers as a stand-alone solution.
The combined solutions will leverage the powerful graphic components and proactive alerting capabilities of Flight Explorer with the robust flight planning capabilities of Sabre Dispatch Manager to help airlines choose the most efficient, cost-effective flight plan.
“Becoming part of Sabre will take Flight Explorer to even more airlines worldwide with Sabre’s strong global presence,” said Jim Kelly, president and chief executive officer of Flight Explorer. “This is a great day for our company and our customers.” Flight Explorer was strategically advised by WWC Securities in this transaction.
Later this year, Flight Explorer and Sabre will launch SmartFleet, a tool that will give airlines an opportunity to reap the benefits offered by the integration of Collaborative Decision Making (CDM) tools into the Flight Explorer ASD. SmartFleet will be fully integrated with Dispatch Manager and will combine multiple data sources of air traffic, airport capacity and weather into one display while interacting with the flight planning engine. SmartFleet is expected to significantly improve on-time performance, aircraft utilization and fuel efficiencies across carriers and general aviation.
About Sabre Airline Solutions
The world's leading provider of integrated solutions and services for airlines and airports, Sabre Airline Solutions helps companies generate more revenue by optimizing performance in 14 key areas of airline operations. More than 200 leading carriers and 100 airports use Sabre Airline Solutions to better market their schedules, sell their products, serve their customers and operate efficiently. Sabre Airline Solutions was founded in 1960. For more information on Sabre Airline Solutions, please visit www.sabreairlinesolutions.com
About Flight Explorer
Flight Explorer (FE) is a global Aircraft Situation Display solutions provider to the commercial and business aviation community. FE provides these solutions to over 800 corporate clients, including over 85 percent of the North American major and regional airlines. Additionally, consumers can enhance their travel experience with Flight Explorer’s free online flight tracking and airport information tools. For more information please visit www.flightexplorer.com.
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