TORONTO,
May 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - GuestLogix Inc. (TSX-V:GXI), the
leading provider of on-board retail systems to the airline industry, and
TicketOps, a leading provider of eTicket and eCommerce solutions today
announced an agreement to offer general admission attraction tickets to
passengers on select North American flights, including those inbound from
international locales. Tickets to tourist and local attractions, festivals,
events and movies will soon be sold through GuestLogix' Mobile Virtual
Store(TM) service which now serves over 40 per cent of the top 20 global
airlines.
Eric Windeler, President of TicketOps said, "We have hundreds of
participating venues in Canada and the US using our eTicketing services. We'll
select the best of the best for this exclusive program. Inbound tourists to a
dozen major cities will be looking for the must-see museums, galleries and
sites like Niagara Falls, while business travelers returning home might want
to take the family to a movie or theme park. GuestLogix provides an innovative
approach, capturing focused passenger attention while on-board, and giving
them something they want - great value on leisure activities when they arrive
at their destination."
Over time, the two companies will work closely to have something for
everyone, at all major destinations. Summer 2008 will see a pilot program,
testing ticketing offers with select North American carriers in Toronto and US
destinations.
Brett Proud, EVP On-Board Retail Development at GuestLogix commented, "Our
airline customers are eager to introduce new products and services to their
flying patrons. We aim to develop new on-board retailing opportunities to help
them realize more profitable revenues. TicketOps offers tickets to exciting
attraction venues, which can be suitably packaged and sold on-board through
our Mobile Virtual Store(TM) platform."
The airline industry often operates amid fierce price competition on thin
margins with high fixed costs, high labour and fuel costs. Fuel costs as a
percentage of operating expenses have wreaked havoc on profitability recently.
In 2007, fuel costs rose to nearly 30% of operating expenses, up from 14% in
2002. The International Air Transport Association recently revised industry
profit estimates to US $4.5 billion for 2008, down from its initial target of
$7.8 billion. With jet fuel prices still rising, airline operators are looking
to innovate with ancillary revenue options and on-board services to reverse
the current trend of decreasing profitability.
About TicketOps
TicketOps, a privately held Canadian Corporation, is a North American
leader in eCommerce, eTicketing and 'proof-of-purchase, proof-of-reward'
software solutions. TicketOps' proprietary print-at-home eDirect(TM) software
is used by attractions for their eCommerce, online fulfilment and marketing
requirements. TicketOps is also an industry leader in internet-based 'channel
partner solutions' used by national retail, loyalty and member-based programs.
These programs give TicketOps clients direct access to significant untapped
market segments for impressions and advance sales. For more information see
www.ticket-ops.com or contact sales@ticket-ops.com.
About GuestLogix
GuestLogix is the leading provider of on-board retail technology and
solutions to the passenger travel industry. Through its proprietary Mobile
Virtual Store(TM) platform, the Company provides air, rail and ferry operators
the tools to become successful on-board retailers, enhance service and drive
ancillary revenue growth. With a customer base consisting of world leading
airlines such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Ryanair, Air Canada and
Alaska Airlines, GuestLogix currently serves more than 600 million passenger
trips annually. For additional information please visit www.guestlogix.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release includes certain forward-looking statements that are
based upon current expectations, which involve risks and uncertainties
associated with GuestLogix' business and the environment in which the business
operates. Any statements contained herein that are not statements of
historical facts may be deemed to be forward-looking, including those
identified by the expressions "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate",
"expect", "intend", and similar expressions to the extent they relate to the
Company or its management. The forward-looking statements are not historical
facts, but reflect GuestLogix' current expectations regarding future results
or events. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks
and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ
materially from current expectations, including the matters discussed under
"Risks and Uncertainties" in the Filing Statement filed on April 23, 2008 with
the regulatory authorities. GuestLogix assumes no obligation to update the
forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could
differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements.
(C) 2008 GuestLogix. All Rights Reserved.
The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has not reviewed and does not accept
responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release