Ryanair launches €15M network contract
22 September 2009:
- CABLE&WIRELESS TO DELIVER RYANAIR'S EUROPEAN COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK
When leading European airline, Ryanair, needed to consolidate its pan-European IT and communications network, it turned to Cable&Wireless to deliver business critical communications to 180 airports in 26 countries across Europe in a five-year, EUR 15 million contract.
As part of the agreement, Cable&Wireless will manage Ryanair's entire European telecommunication network including all airports, bases, data centres and corporate offices. Cable&Wireless will provide an 'always-on communications' network. Network availability is essential to Ryanair's operations as every passenger is supported through the Cable&Wireless network from online booking to airport check in.
Ryanair check in kiosks will use Cable&Wireless' network, providing passengers with the ability to bypass traditional ticket lines, increasing the speed, convenience and service as they travel through airports. The new touch-screen system also offers passengers the option to obtain boarding passes and check-in bags.
Eric Neville Head of IT, Ryanair, said: "This contract will enable us to gain better productivity and efficiency at lower costs from using a single large telecommunication network. Ryanair benefits from commercial flexibility across the entire solution, providing us the capacity to grow our passenger numbers to 67 million in 2010. We've worked with Cable&Wireless for a number of years now and it has consistently delivered the excellent service we require. Its innovation, expertise and ability to service our network, enabled the company to win this new contract.
As we develop our facilities, it is important that we have a communication network that delivers what we need in terms of reliability and operational effectiveness, but also has the capacity to grow its Pan-European network. The solution from Cable&Wireless meets all our criteria while offering all the assurances we need in terms of customer service, resilience and security."
Nick Lambert, Managing Director, Global Markets, Cable&Wireless Worldwide, adds: "This is a fantastic deal for Cable&Wireless as it cements our strategic relationship with Ryanair to 2014. With this latest contract we continue to prove our capability to provide the critical infrastructure that meets the company's needs now - and a communication solution that has the flexibility and scalability to grow with its business in the future. We look forward to delivering an excellent customer experience to Europe's largest low fares airline and provide its business critical communication services. Cable&Wireless has worked with Ryanair for a number of years, and the new contract builds on this longstanding relationship. Each Ryanair site will be connected into a single secure, future-proof, high speed Wide Area Network based on our next generation network."
Ryanair is Europe's largest low fares airline, with more than 60 million passengers carried in 2008 on more than 850 routes in 26 countries. Its success is based on low fares, efficient operations, punctuality and safety. In 2008, Ryanair's turnover surpassed 2.7 billion. Ryanair plans to double traffic and profits from 2007-2012.
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Contacts:
Cable&Wireless
Natalie Easson PR Manager +44 (0)7717 427 418
Katie Dove Head of UK PR +44(0)7733 392 514
C&W Press Office +44(0)1344 818 888
About Ryanair
Ryanair is Europe's largest low fares airline with 32 bases and 800+ low fare routes across 26 countries, connecting 146 destinations. By the end of June 2009 Ryanair will operate a fleet of 196 new Boeing 737-800 aircraft with firm orders for a further 116 new aircraft (all net of planned disposals), which will be delivered over the next 3 years. Ryanair currently employs a team of more than 6,000 people and expects to carry approximately 67 million passengers in 2009.
About Cable&Wireless
Cable and Wireless plc is one of the world's leading international communications companies. It operates through two standalone business units - Cable&Wireless Worldwide Worldwide and CWI.
The Worldwide business (formerly Europe, Asia & US) specialises in offering high quality communications services such as IP, data, voice and hosting to large enterprise, reseller and carrier customers. It operates globally, with core markets in UK, Asia and EMEA, and provides connectivity in 153 countries.
CWI is an owner and operator of leading regional telecoms businesses. Headquartered in London, it operates businesses through four regional operations the Caribbean, Panama, Macau and Monaco & Islands delivering world class service and efficiency. CWI is a full-service telecommunications provider offering mobile, broadband, and domestic and international fixed line services, as well as enterprise and managed service solutions.
For more information about Cable&Wireless, go to http://www.cw.com
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