Bangalore, 13 Aug 2008: Kingfisher Airlines, one of India’s leading airlines has successfully started using IBS’ iCargoNet, a Software as a Service (SaaS) version of IBS’ new-generation airline Cargo Management System (CMS), iCargoGold. iCargoNet now provides a unified, enterprise–wide solution to help manage the entire cargo business of KFA, from planning, sales, operations, ground handling (both inbound and outbound),Unit Load Device (ULD) management to cargo revenue accounting and revenue optimization functions in an integrated and cost-effective manner. The system enables the airline to use all the functionalities of a proven integrated CMS while drastically bringing down the total cost of ownership. The implementation comes at a time when Kingfisher Airlines is seeking to grow its cargo business in the domestic market while optimizing its cost of operations.
The solution helps provide Kingfisher Airlines with the scalability to support their aggressive growth plans and offers them the flexibility to adapt to the changing business needs of a rapidly evolving market. iCargoNet will assist Kingfisher Airlines in ensuring the profitability of its cargo business by enabling the airline to optimize the inventory of its flights and monitor capacity utilization as well as the revenue generated by each flight as the flight builds-up and before it takes off. IBS hosts the iCargoNet solution from its own world class data center with the latest technology and support infrastructure that is managed by a 24X7 Customer Support Centre and network managed services. Being a SaaS, iCargoNet facilitates customers to pay as they use the service. With this implementation, IBS’ cargo solutions have made their successful entry into the Indian air cargo industry, making Kingfisher Airlines, IBS’ first Indian customer for its cargo solutions and the first user of iCargoNet worldwide.
Commenting on the adoption of iCargonet, Mr. Rajesh Verma, Executive Vice President, Kingfisher Airlines Limited said that “ iCargoNet has been implemented as a unified software solution for seamlessly managing the cargo operations of Kingfisher Airlines. As India’s leading airline with an unmatched route network, it was imperative that our solutions provider offer us a robust and reliable solution that would give us that competitive edge and be scalable in line with our aggressive expansion plans. “
IBS’ suite of next generation cargo management systems meet the needs of all players in the air cargo industry (scheduled airlines, all-cargo carriers, airports, ground handlers, integrators, forwarders and others), that can be used either as licensed or hosted options, depending on customer’s choice. IBS’ cargo management solutions have been developed in collaboration with six leading cargo carriers and incorporate comprehensive functionality and industry best practices, making the products globally acceptable. Since the launch of IBS’ Cargo program, less than 3 years back, 13 global customers have opted for IBS’ new-generation cargo management solutions, with five airlines already using them and 8 concurrent implementations in progress.
Chairman & CEO, IBS Group, V K Mathews said, “At IBS, our vision for the air transportation industry is to provide new-generation solutions that will be viable and inevitable migration options from the legacy systems that have shackled them for past few decades. We have always been convinced of our ability to make available next generation solutions that could be industry standards and that will help airlines redefine the way they do their business. We have been innovative and continue to invest in our products and service offerings, not afraid to push the envelope of change”.
“With the successful deployment of iCargoNet, we can proudly claim to have fulfilled our vision by becoming a one-stop-shop for airline cargo solutions. We are extremely glad that Kingfisher Airlines has reposed their trust in IBS and our solution,” he added. With the steady rise in the number of air cargo providers, IBS plans to take the solution to more players in the air cargo industry in India and globally.
About iCargoNet
iCargoNet is a Software as a Service (SaaS) model of IBS’ new-generation cargo management system, iCargoGold, that uses the power of the internet to deliver all the functionalities of iCargoGold, while lowering the total cost of ownership. Powered by a state-of-the-art data center, world-class helpdesk, network managed services and post production support, iCargoNet is a robust, reliable solution that meets the needs of any carrier, no matter the size or transaction volumes.
iCargoNet is scalable, secure and highly cost-effective. Problems faced by the customers can be identified and resolved more quickly through monitoring and support services provided by iCargoNet. The solution facilitates fast and secure data backup and restoration protocols and enables easy migration to newest hardware. The sate-of art data centre provides homogeneous, streamlined infrastructure and server environment for optimum performance and maintenance through round-the-clock monitoring & support.
About Kingfisher Airlines
Kingfisher Airlines is India’s first and only 5-Star airline and the only one to offer a premium first class service on domestic routes. Besides being the first and the only airline to offer in-flight entertainment on every seat in the domestic skies, Kingfisher Airlines offers LIVE TV with 16 channels of live & exciting content. Kingfisher Airlines has received numerous awards for innovation, customer responsiveness and was voted the “Best New Airline of the Year” within months of its launch. Kingfisher Airlines is part of The UB Group which is one of India’s largest conglomerates with diverse interests and a global presence. The UB Group is also the largest Indian manufacturer of beverage alcohol (beer & spirits) and the second largest drinks Group in the world.
With the merger of Kingfisher Airlines and Deccan, the airline covers all segments of air travel from low fares to premium fares and offers the maximum number of flights offered by any single airline network in India. The combined entity now connects 64 cities and has 424 daily departures.
