Press Release 2005

Star Alliance selects G2 switchworks and ITA Software as the first two vendors to provide Alternative Content Access Platforms (ACAP)
 
At a signing ceremony held during the bi-annual meeting of the Star Alliance CEOs, the alliance concluded contracts with two vendors who will provide so called ACAPs to the member carriers. The two companies selected are G2 SwitchWorks and ITA Software.

These contracts are the culmination of a process which began in June 2005. In an effort to reduce the 2 billion US Dollars which the 16 member carriers spend annually on GDS fees, Star Alliance had begun looking into alternative distribution channels. A combination of market deregulation and new technology had created the right scenario in which these new providers have become real alternatives.

“By concluding these two agreements, Star Alliance has demonstrated that the work done at an alliance level can very well support the carriers need to adapt to changing market conditions,” said Jaan Albrecht, Star Alliance CEO. “Together with G2 SwitchWorks and ITA Software we will move forward in setting new industry standards in the area of airline distribution.”

“G2 SwitchWorks is thrilled to be selected as a preferred vendor by Star Alliance and recognised for our efforts to introduce a new era of distribution freedom to the industry,” said Alex Zoghlin, CEO and Founder of G2 SwitchWorks.  “As the only alternate provider with guaranteed content from major and low cost U.S. airlines, we consider this a strong endorsement of our work and technology.”

“We are excited about the opportunity to deepen our relationship with members of the Star Alliance” said Jeremy Wertheimer, President and CEO, ITA Software.

Under this umbrella agreement, the member carriers will now enter into detailed discussions with the providers in order to build a tailor-made solution for their specific requirements, with the ultimate aim of better serving the needs of the international business travellers.

The new distribution technologies will first be implemented in North America and are to be expanded to Asia and Europe within the next 18 months.

About G2 SwitchWorks:
G2 SwitchWorks is the industry’s provider of choice for low-cost, next generation travel distribution solutions. G2 is focused on establishing cost-effective, integrated travel supplier connections and customer management solutions for travel sellers and their customers. G2’s TRUEConnect is a private distribution network providing faring and pricing for over 450 airlines, including reservation and servicing capabilities for nine major and low cost U.S. airlines. G2 is a privately held company based in Chicago.

About ITA Software:
ITA Software, a leading travel technology innovator, delivers significant cost-savings and powerful functionality to major airlines and air travel distributors such as Orbitz, Galileo, Accovia, Kayak, and G2 Switchworks. ITA Software was founded by computer scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

About Star Alliance:
Star Alliance was established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance to offer customers global reach and a smooth travel experience. Star Alliance has been voted Best Airline Alliance by Skytrax in 2003 and 2005. The members are Air Canada, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, bmi, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Spanair, TAP Portugal, THAI, United, US Airways and VARIG Brazilian Airlines. South African Airways and SWISS will be integrated during the first half of 2006. Overall, the member carriers offer more than 15,000 daily flights to 790 destinations in 138 countries.

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