News

British Airways watching the clock with new software system

August 14, 2002

LONDON -- British Airways, one of the first international airlines to advocate the use of self-service check-in kiosks for passengers, could be turning to kiosks as a way to organize its in-house affairs.

The airline signed an agreement with software developer Sabre Holdings Corp. (NYSE:TSG) on Aug. 14 to utilize Sabre's StaffAdmin personnel management software.

The software will allow British Airways employees to perform work-related tasks, including schedule checks, overtime adjustments, and vacation requests, from a variety of locales, including the home, the Internet, or self-service kiosks.

Airline officials said it was critical to manage its employees more effectively.

"With this system, British Airways will be able to efficiently administer the 8,000 ground staff who work at Heathrow and Gatwick airports (in London) while providing employees a means to manage their work schedules from kiosks," Andy Garner, British Airways general manager of business development, said in a news release.

The airline did not say when the new software system would be in place.

Based in Southlake, Texas, Sabre Holdings provides distribution and marketing services for the travel industry. The company first introduced its StaffAdmin software platform in 1991, and offers its software and services products to about 200 airlines internationally.