May 5, 2009
Managed WAN solution covers more than 100 international locations
Lufthansa Systems today announced that it will connect Ethiopian Airlines’ worldwide sites with a Wide Area Network (WAN). The airline has opted for a managed WAN solution from the aviation IT provider, which will ensure reliable, fast and secure data traffic between its 113 city and airport offices around the globe.
Kemeredin Bedru, Vice President Information Technology at Ethiopian Airlines, welcomes the cooperation with Lufthansa Systems. “The managed WAN network from Lufthansa Systems gives Ethiopian the flexibility, reliability and cost transparency that is so important to data communications these days,” he said. “We will also have the advantage of Lufthansa Systems’ renowned airline process expertise. The efficiency and data security gained will ultimately benefit our customers as well.”
With its managed WAN services, Lufthansa Systems provides a global network which carries airline data traffic quickly and securely. The multi-provider network is composed of the best available sub-networks of various regions and local providers (best-of-breed concept). It combines high availability and maximum flexibility which are essential for the business-critical applications of Ethiopian Airlines. The solution also provides fast response in the event of an outage and enhances transparent invoicing known as “Easy Billing.”
“We welcome Ethiopian Airlines, one of Africa’s leading carriers, to the growing circle of customers for our managed WAN solution in the region. We will provide Ethiopian with a future-proof data network which will optimally support the airline’s projected future growth”, said Dr. Gunter Küchler, Member of the Executive Board of Lufthansa Systems.
The managed WAN services offer economic advantages as well. Since the multi-provider concept will enable Ethiopian Airlines to reduce its network costs, this investment will pay off quickly and in the long run will make a significant contribution to the strategic business performance. Ethiopian Airlines will also benefit from Lufthansa Systems’ established position in Africa. Several customers in the region are already using these WAN services and taking advantage of the provider’s experience in areas with less developed IT infrastructure.
Ethiopian Airlines has been a permanent player in African aviation for over 60 years. From its hub in Addis Ababa, the airline serves 53 international destinations in Africa, America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia as well as 15 domestic destinations with a fleet of modern aircraft. Ethiopian has an extended route network in Africa and is committed to uncompromising standards of quality.
Note to editors:
Lufthansa Systems is one of the leading IT service providers for the airline and aviation industries worldwide. As a systems integrator with one of the most modern data centers in Europe, the wholly-owned subsidiary of the Lufthansa Group covers the entire range of IT services, including consulting, the development and implementation of industry solutions as well as system operation. Lufthansa Systems provides its infrastructure and consulting services to a variety of industries. Headquartered in Kelsterbach near Frankfurt/Main, Germany, the company has offices in Germany and 16 other countries and employs about 3,000 people worldwide. In business year 2008, Lufthansa Systems recorded sales of EUR 657 million.
For further information, please contact:
Lufthansa Systems AG
Sandra Hammer
Corporate Communications
Tel.: +49 (0)69 696 90776
Fax: +49 (0)69 696 90777
E-mail: publicrelations@LHsystems.com
Ethiopian Airlines
Manager PR & Publications
Tel: (+251-1) 661-51-10/(+251-1) 517-81-65
Fax: (+251-1) 661-14-74
publicrelations@ethiopianairlines.com
www.ethiopianairlines.com