Delta this week said it would reacquire from Travelport the data and intellectual property rights central to its passenger service and flight operations systems.
The Atlanta-based airline said the move to transfer passenger service systems and flight operations systems would make it the only U.S. airline to directly control these technology systems. Delta officials contend owing the assets will improve the travel experiences of its customers.
“These systems are the data and operational backbone for more than 180 technology applications used to run our airline every day,” Richard Anderson, Delta CEO said in a statement. “By bringing the systems along with the highly skilled people who support them under Delta’s direct management, we gain greater flexibility and control over the technology enhancements that will continue to improve our operational performance and passenger experience. This transaction builds on our ongoing efforts to build a stronger airline for our shareholders, employees and customers while reconfirming the importance of our strategic partnership with Travelport.”
As part of the agreement, Travelport will continue to run the system infrastructure for the Delta platform in its Atlanta data center. In addition, more than 175 technology professionals will transfer to Delta effective July 1.