Virgin Blue moves to New Skies

Virgin Blue has completed its move across to a new $10 million computer reservations system, which promises the carrier more functionality.

The changeover from its Open Skies system to the Navitaire New Skies system was successfully completed over two days during the Queen’s Birthday long weekend to minimise any downtime. During the 28 hour cutover period, passengers were checked in manually, while bookings and changes could not be made.

“The cutover to New Skies proceeded according to plan. We had a contingent of customer service agents in place at all major Australian domestic airports and I’m really proud to say the cutover was very successful with minimal or no delays to our network or guests,” said Virgin Blue’s CFO Keith Neate.

The new reservation system will allow for passengers to be recognised for their personal preferences, fare comparisons for up to 15 days around the day of travel as well as seamless booking of ancillary services such as car hire and hotels. Virgin Blue says additional functionality will be added in the future.