Media Release
21 November 2005

Skippers Set to Fly with New Aussie Reservations Technology

To accommodate increased demand for their scheduled air services, Skippers are pleased to announce the release of their new, state-of-the-art reservation system.

The new system arrives ready for the commencement of services to the new Northern Goldfields network in January 2006, which will see Skippers operate under revised schedules for Geraldton, Meekatharra, Wiluna and Laverton and introduce new services to Mt Magnet, Leonora and Leinster. Customers are now able to book their flights to and from these destinations into 2006.

Skippers customers will find many benefits in the new booking system, the most advantageous being the ability to book, pay and travel as little as 90 minutes prior to flight departure via either the internet, telephone or in person if seats are available. The online flight search is much faster (which is great news for regional customers) and the user-friendly interface allows a booking to be securely completed online in only four easy steps. On booking completion, customers are automatically emailed their Skippers itinerary/tax invoice, complete with important travel information such as fare and carriage conditions, check in times and baggage limits.

Skippers will retain their existing pricing structure and continue to offer discounted fares to all of its customers, especially their “skipEdeals” available to internet users in all destinations.

The system was developed by Melbourne-based Vedaleon Technology Group, the members of which largely comprise former Ansett commercial and IT staff. The Vedaleon team have been developing the powerful Microsoft .NET based product over the last four years and have successfully introduced airline reservation solutions to a number of east coast regional airlines.

Skippers RPT Manager, Ian Drennan managed the system implementation and was pleased with the results. “I think our customers will be particularly happy with the benefits that the new system offers, especially those last minute travellers”, Mr Drennan said. “It's also huge plus to find a system which has been developed here in Australia that's both professional and affordable to regional airlines like Skippers who are otherwise disadvantaged under traditional shared hosting arrangements. It's certainly a far more streamlined system which will enable us to achieve far greater efficiencies throughout the business.”

To find out more about Skippers and their scheduled service network, please visit www.skippers.com.au or call the Skippers Reservations Team on 1300 729 924 between 8:30am and 5pm Monday to Friday WST.

Trade enquiries are invited to Ian Drennan , RPT Manager, on (08) 9478 3989.

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Media enquiries are welcomed to:
Ian Drennan on Ph: (08) 9478 3989