LONDON, April 13, 2015 – Virgin Atlantic has announced that it will move to AIR4, an innovative suite of passenger service systems (PSS). AIR4 offers reservation, ticketing and departure control functionality, as well as enhanced web, kiosk and mobile capabilities, featuring customer-centric options such as automated bag drop and disruption management.
The best-in-class suite of systems has been built on Delta’s proven PSS technology platform and has been selected by Virgin Atlantic following a thorough tender and evaluation process. AIR4’s implementation represents a step change in Virgin Atlantic’s technology portfolio and will cement the Virgin Atlantic/Delta joint venture as the most customer-focused transatlantic airline partnership, ensuring seamless experiences for both Delta and Virgin customers.
AIR4 (Access Information Real-time for Customers) will be fully distinct from Delta’s PSS but close alignment will allow Virgin Atlantic to benefit in full from Delta’s extensive development pipeline, creating huge opportunities for innovation and customer service improvement.
Virgin Atlantic Director of Network and Alliances Joe Thompson said:
“This is a further example of how our partnership with Delta Air Lines can bring extensive benefits both to our customers and to our business. AIR4 will significantly improve our customers’ experiences when booking and travelling with Virgin Atlantic across our network.
“By accessing Delta’s expertise and development plan we can build even better customer journeys, and offer an even more joined-up experience for customers travelling on our joint venture services.”
Delta’s Senior Vice President for Europe, Middle East and Africa, Perry Cantarutti added:
“Virgin Atlantic’s decision to use Delta’s core customer service technology platforms will simultaneously eliminate passenger experience seams and means that we can share long-term IT investments and direction which are key differentiators for our joint venture.”
The migration to AIR4 is scheduled for implementation in 2016
Customers wishing to book travel on Delta and Virgin Atlantic services can visit www.delta.com and www.virgin-atlantic.com or see their travel agent.
Notes to editors
Virgin Atlantic is migrating from its existing host system for reservations known as SHARES.
Work has already begun contacting Virgin Atlantic’s key trade and sales partners to explain the change of system, but it will not impact the way the airline works with its partners.
Delta is the only U.S. airline to directly control its critical technology systems making it possible to build the next generation of technology that will improve the travel experiences of customers.
About Delta and Virgin Atlantic:
Launched on January 1, 2014, the Delta Air Lines and Virgin Atlantic Airways joint venture partnership creates an expanded transatlantic route network, enhancing competition between the UK and North America. With up to 39 flights each way per day between the UK and 15 nonstop destinations in the United States and Mexico, the joint venture provides a premier service with the benefits of an aligned route network offering more frequencies, competitive fares and seamless service. The JV offers customers connecting in the United States simple and convenient access to and from 215 destinations, as well as frequent flyer reciprocity and global lounge access. For more information on the two carriers visit www.delta.com and www.virgin-atlantic.com
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