tcook052
Nov 5, 09, 1:55 am
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/glitches-fail-to-faze-westjet/article1351780/
new computer reservations system is giving major headaches to WestJet Airlines Ltd., but the carrier vows to work out the bugs, saying the technology opens the door to partnerships with foreign carriers.
Since WestJet introduced the SabreSonic system on Oct. 17, its website has crashed twice, leading to complaints from consumers frustrated by long waits to get through to the carrier's call centre, either to book flights or make changes and cancellations. There have also been 40-minute delays at airports because of various computer-related glitches, including problems originating from the Sabre Travel Network.
WestJet chief executive officer Sean Durfy sent an e-mail to customers on Oct. 23, apologizing for the "slowdowns" in service - a contrite message also posted on the airline's website and still displayed this week as the first screen that consumers see.
In an interview yesterday, Mr. Durfy said the short-term pain will pass, and the Calgary-based carrier is looking forward to the benefits of having new technology that interacts with the computers of foreign airlines.
"When the system stabilizes, it will give us a bunch more flexibility," he said.
new computer reservations system is giving major headaches to WestJet Airlines Ltd., but the carrier vows to work out the bugs, saying the technology opens the door to partnerships with foreign carriers.
Since WestJet introduced the SabreSonic system on Oct. 17, its website has crashed twice, leading to complaints from consumers frustrated by long waits to get through to the carrier's call centre, either to book flights or make changes and cancellations. There have also been 40-minute delays at airports because of various computer-related glitches, including problems originating from the Sabre Travel Network.
WestJet chief executive officer Sean Durfy sent an e-mail to customers on Oct. 23, apologizing for the "slowdowns" in service - a contrite message also posted on the airline's website and still displayed this week as the first screen that consumers see.
In an interview yesterday, Mr. Durfy said the short-term pain will pass, and the Calgary-based carrier is looking forward to the benefits of having new technology that interacts with the computers of foreign airlines.
"When the system stabilizes, it will give us a bunch more flexibility," he said.