Mercator Acquires tikAERO; Opening Bangkok Office

Mercator, the IT solutions provider of the Emirates Group, has acquired the tikAERO passenger services system solution through TIK Systems.

With this acquisition, Mercator will now offer fully functional and flexible passenger service and distribution solutions to hybrid, regional, low-cost and start-up airlines worldwide. The innovative tikAERO system is built on latest technology systems architectures using Microsoft Technologies.

Roland Heller, Managing Director of TIK Systems said, "This acquisition by Mercator will prove a winning formula for airlines seeking a competitive, cost-effective and integrated turn-key solution that includes electronic ticketing and which supports a wide range of distribution channels. tikAERO customers will have an added value through Mercator's global reach and cutting edge technology and now with the backing of the Emirates Group, our team is really excited that the hard work and the full potential of the system will be realised."

Patrick Naef, Divisional Senior Vice President Emirates Group IT, added, “This is a really exciting moment for the history of Mercator with our first major acquisition. Our current passenger services portfolio, Jupiter, is rapidly creating a reputation for being one of the most complete and integrated solutions in the market for medium to large network carriers. With the acquisition of tikAERO, we are now able to address a whole new segment of the market. We can manage the needs of an entire airline community covering all shapes, sizes and business models. This strategic move underpins Emirates Group’s commitment to further grow the Mercator business and to strengthen its position as one of the leading IT solution providers for the travel and transportation industry.”

The package includes a modern end-to-end customer-centric airline management solution, including web booking engines for consumers, travel agencies, corporate accounts and mobile devices, as well as connectivity with all major Global Distribution Systems. The system is fully IATA e-ticketing compliant, but can be equally adopted by non-IATA ‘ticketless’ low-cost airlines, therefore combining the best of distribution worlds.

tikAERO integrates key functionality to efficiently manage airline passenger services. This includes applications for inventory management, multi-channel reservation, yield and revenue management, departure control, weight and balance, electronic ticketing, revenue accounting, codeshare, interlining, crew management, flight control and real-time reporting to monitor business operations.

It has been specifically designed to suit hybrid environments and can be deployed much easier and faster than legacy passenger service solutions. Hybrid functionality refers to an increasing sector of the airline market that is moving from a pure low-cost model to a model where there is limited distribution through global distribution systems, interline partnership agreements with airlines and the use of industry ticketing standards defined by the airline trade body IATA.

Mercator is also establishing a new office in Bangkok to which all TIK Systems’ staff will transfer. This office will provide a new base for Mercator’s product development.

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