Southwest Airlines and Amadeus IT Group ink deal

Southwest Airlines and Amadeus IT Group announced today that they have entered into a joint contract for Amadeus' Altea reservations solution that would support the carrier's international service. Now that the contract is finalized, the two companies will work closely together to implement Amadeus' technology to allow Southwest to operate international flights in 2014.

AirTran Airways, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Southwest Airlines, currently serves international destinations. As the AirTran international flights transition to Southwest, Amadeus will support Southwest's international flying.

While the Amadeus IT Group agreement focuses on the international element of Southwest's reservation system, the contract also provides the option for Southwest to convert its domestic business to Amadeus in the future.

"We could not be more impressed with the experience and knowledge Amadeus IT Group brings to the table," said Southwest Airlines Chairman, President, and CEO Gary Kelly. "They are a premier technology provider, and we are confident in their ability to meet and exceed our needs as we prepare for the exciting opportunity to extend the Southwest brand into the international marketplace."

(Southwest Airlines - Press Release)