Mercator Sales continued to power ahead towards achieving its goal of becoming the leading IT service provider to the global airline and aviation industry. The customer base continued to expand dramatically and several large scale, high profile implementations were successfully completed, upholding the Mercator reputation of delivering on time and on schedule.

Mercator's RAPID revenue accounting solution was selected by yet more airline, breaking into previously untapped territories and consolidating its position in existing markets.

Air Sahara, a fast growing Indian carrier, opted for the solution, further increasing Mercator's share of the burgeoning Indian aviation sector. The Middle East also proved to be a lucrative market for Mercator's financial solutions, with Syrian Arab Airlines and Middle Eastern Airlines choosing RAPID.

In Africa, both South African Airways and Virgin Nigeria opted for the outsourced version of the solution, RAPID Bureau. In Asia, implementation of RAPID was completed at Malaysia Airlines, whilst Singapore-based Valuair added another name to the growing list of bureau customers. And yet another first was scored with Mercator winning a contract for its revenue accounting solution in Eastern Europe, with Tarom becoming a customer.

On the cargo front, the Chameleon cargo ground handling and warehousing solution was successfully installed at the Kuwaiti ground handler NAS, and at the brand new Dubai Flower Centre at Dubai Airport. An innovative web-based ULD management system, Nomad.aero, was also launched and has generated an excellent response, with several major airlines expressing interest.

The development of Skychain, the ground-breaking new generation cargo management solution, continues to make good progress. The solution promises to revolutionise the way business is carried out in the air cargo industry, and Mercator Sales is gearing up to promote this solution which promises to be a future star product.

A landmark deal was signed with Yemenia, the national flag carrier of Yemen. The airline took the strategic decision to outsource all its passenger sales and services IT requirements to Mercator, with the first phase of the multi-million dollar contract covering airline reservations, ticketing, departure control and frequent flyer systems. The second phase will see even more products introduced into all parts of the airline, especially in the financial and cargo areas.

Mercator Sales restructured itself in order to enhance the service offered to customers. The department has become regionally focussed, with three teams each responsible for a defined geographical area. The approach will directly benefit all customers with much more emphasis being put on account management and understanding the needs of both customers and the market in which they operate.