JEDDAH – Etihad Airways will make its “Big Switch” to new, state-of-the-art, passenger sales, website, and check-in systems next week, the most significant milestone in its $1 billion, 10-year, deal with Sabre Airline Solutions, the Abu Dhabi-based flag carrier of the United Arab Emirates said in a statement Wednesday. The Passenger Service System (PSS) transformation project is the most challenging IT and business-critical initiative that the Abu Dhabi-based airline has implemented in its history. It has involved intensive training for 6,700 Etihad Airways and third party staff. The Big Switch will integrate Etihad Airways' current PSS into one platform that will utilize cutting-edge software across its reservations, inventory, eCommerce, distribution and departure control activities. The new Sabre Airline Solutions PSS will offer significant enhancements to the customer experience especially in areas such as mobile and guest communications. The Big Switch will start Feb. 23, and is due for completion on Feb. 24. Therefore during Feb. 22 and 25, Etihad Airways asks passengers to follow key guidelines to help ensure any disruption to their travel experience is kept to a minimum. Customers traveling during that period are advised to arrive at the airport four hours before the flight is due to depart; where possible, check-in online from 24 hours before departure and print boarding pass beforehand and bring to the airport; and if unable to check-in online, bring a copy of email confirmation and/or travel itinerary. In addition to these guidelines, anyone wishing to purchase an upgrade, must do so on or before Feb. 21 and any changes to travel arrangements must be made before Feb. 22. During the Big Switch weekend, customers can still call the Etihad Airways contact centers on +971 2 599 0000, but contact center agents will be unable to take commercial or redemption bookings, make changes or cancellations or process upgrades. All booking channels will be down from 11p.m. on Friday (Feb. 22) and are expected to resume on Sunday (Feb. 24). Etihad Airways has begun contacting customers and this will continue as the Big Switch draws closer. The airline's website will also continue to feature key information as well as Etihad Airways' Facebook, Twitter and Google+ accounts. – SG
