Hong Kong-based airline Cathay Pacific is set to upgrade its booking systems to the new Amadeus Altrea reservation and inventory system from February 11, resulting in a two-day transition period in which all Cathay Pacific online systems will be down.
The new technology will replace Cathay Pacific’s current system, which was introduced in the 1980s.
Cathay Pacific chief operating officer Ivan Chu commented, “Our current system has served us well. However, just as we upgrade the products and services our customers can see and touch, we must also update our technology behind the scenes so that we can support the continued growth of our airline and the expanding expectations of our customers.”
Cathay has advised that from February 11 at 7am GMT to Sunday 12, all worldwide Cathay Pacific websites will be down, meaning that no reservations can be made or amended. Passengers are urged to do so prior to that weekend.
The announcement came just a week after a meltdown in Amadeus systems left several airlines without check-in facilities, including Australian carrier Qantas, which had to issue hand written boarding passes.
Cathay Pacific said that it will be running flights as normal over the upgrade period and doesn’t expect too many delays.
However, the airline does urge passengers who are travelling on electronic tickets to bring a print out of their tickets to the airport.
