Boeing has struck a deal to acquire Swedish-headquartered crew scheduling software firm Carmen Systems for an undisclosed sum.
Gothenburg-based Carmen Systems provides airlines with crew scheduling and disruption-management software. The firm employs around 300 staff and has significant operations in
Carmen has agreements with more than 20 carriers – including British Airways, Air France-KLM, Lufthansa, Delta Air Lines and Scandinavian Airlines – and claims that its software is used for planning operations for around a quarter of the world’s airline crews.
For the full year 2004 the company achieved a net profit rise of 42% to SKr20 million ($2.5 million) on a 16% increase in sales to SKr221 million.
Boeing says that the acquisition, which is subject to regulatory approval, will boost its operational services expertise. Carmen Systems will report to Boeing Commercial Aviation Services subsidiary Jeppesen.
Carmen Systems CEO Per Noren says: “Our combined domain and industry knowledge creates a dynamic team that will continue to enable our customers to achieve greater efficiency, operational savings and profitability.”
Boeing Commercial Aviation Services vice-president and general manager Lou Mancini adds: “Carmen Systems’ crew scheduling and optimisation, and disruption and recovery management products complement Jeppesen’s existing aviation portfolio, bringing us new capabilities.”
Mancini also points out that Carmen serves the rail market as well, adding: “Its railroad business offers new opportunities, which are consistent with our growth strategy of applying our technology to new markets.”
Neither company has disclosed the financial terms of the deal, but Boeing says that it will not have an impact on its financial guidance.
Source: Flight International
