Singapore Airlines Picks IBM for IT Services

Singapore Airlines (www.singaporeair.com) signed an agreement with IBM (www.ibm.com), valued at around S$300 million (Singapore dollars) over seven years, to outsource its IT infrastructure functions. The contract formalizes SIA's plans to outsource its IT infrastructure functions.

"By outsourcing these functions to IBM, Singapore Airlines will meet its goal of focusing on its core business, enabling both efficient cost management and a high standard of customer service and satisfaction," said Mak Swee Wah, Singapore Airlines' senior vice president of planning, who is responsible for SIA's IT services.

Singapore Airlines (SIA) is one of the world's leading international airlines, operating a modern fleet of 89 aircraft. The airline's route network, including Singapore Airlines Cargo and SilkAir destinations, covers 91 destinations in 38 countries.

Under the agreement, IBM will manage SIA's data center, end-user computing support service, and information technology help desk. SIA staff in the affected areas have been offered the opportunity to join IBM on a package comparable in both remuneration and role.

"We are happy to be part of this strategic agreement with Singapore Airlines, one of the world's premier airlines. This agreement will enable Singapore Airlines to be more focused on its core business of delivering world-class services, more responsive to its passengers and help improve its overall competitiveness,"  said Patricia Yim, Managing Director, IBM Singapore.

The employees will also have access to broader IT skills development and training opportunities at IBM.