Galileo Ireland joins the Galileo fold

Monday, 09 Sep, 2002 0

Galileo International has bought its Irish distribution partner, Galileo Ireland.

Cendant Corporation, which owns Galileo International, announced today that it has bought Galileo Ireland’s parent company, TIMAS Limited, from Irish carrier, Aer Lingus and the Automation and Investment Co-operative Society, which includes about 200 travel agents in Ireland.

Dublin-based Galileo Ireland is the sole distributor of Galileo’s services and products in the Republic of Ireland, where Galileo claims to have an 80% share of segments.

Galileo Ireland general manager, Shay Mitchell, told TravelMole: “With Galileo International our new owners, we will have a greater focus on the business, and more rapid development of products and solutions that Galileo develop for Ireland”. Of the decision by Aer Lingus to sell, Mr Mitchell said: “As with other airlines, during this economic downturn, Aer Lingus is focussing on its core strengths and divesting itself of other businesses”.

Galileo’s executive vice president and managing director of EMEA, Gordon Wilson said: “We are proud of our leading position in this highly competitive market. One of the key reasons why we acquired Galileo Ireland was for its people. Their local knowledge and skills will help us reach even higher levels of success now that we’re part of one company.”

Galileo Ireland provides travel technology solutions including TravelQuest, an online package holiday search-and-booking system. Galileo Ireland also handles all sales, technical service and customer support. The acquisition includes Minerva, the network element of TIMAS, which sells networks to non-travel companies.

Read our previous stories:
9-August-2002 Galileo gets new cheif executive
3-September-2002 Cathay selects Shepherd Systems