IBS Group firm signs pact with RAK Airways

IBS Group firm Avient Solutions, based in the UK, has inked a deal with UAE-based RAK Airways, to deploy its flight operations system, TopAir.

RAK Airways, the national airline of Ras-al-Khaimah in the UAE, is to begin operations by the first quarter of 2007.

With this agreement, whose financials are not known, RAK Airways becomes the first customer for TopAir in the Middle East. According to an IBS source here, RAK Airways has opted for TopAir recognising the short implementation time and flexible features.

TopAir is an integrated solution that automates airline operations, including flight scheduling, fleet planning, crew management, flight operations, fuel management, catering management, aircraft checks planning and finance control activities.

The system provides real-time information across various departments in the airline, and makes operations easier for scheduled, charter, low-cost and cargo airlines, the Thiruvananthapuram-based IBS group source said.

The IBS Group is currently in the process of developing a market for TopAir in the Middle-East after having cemented its position in North America and the Asian region, said V K Mathews, CEO and managing director of IBS Group.

With RAK Airways choosing TopAir to meet their operational requirements, the capability of the flight operating solution has been endorsed, he added.

Commenting on the new deal, Jim Feeney, vice president - flight operations at RAK Airways, said that the airline had selected TopAir for its flight operations as it offers a full range of functionality in a user-friendly package.

"As a start-up carrier, the RAK Airways' flight operations department must be able to focus on the business of flying aircraft, supported by the operational system. TopAir will allow us to do this and we expect it to become an integral tool in our operation," he added.

The IBS Group, based out of Technopark here, is a leading global provider of new-generation IT solutions to the travel, transportation and logistics industry, while UK-based Avient, is its group company with 15-plus years of experience in the design, development and implementation of cutting-edge software solutions worldwide, an IBS source said.