China Eastern Airlines has signed a four-month contract with Sabre Airlines Solutions to implement best practice network planning and flight scheduling for the carrier.

As the leading provider of software and services to the airline industry from planning to execution, Sabre Airline Solutions will leverage its industry leadership to support China Eastern Airlines in the areas of schedule optimization, network analysis and slot analysis.

"With this engagement, China Eastern Airlines will maximize its current network and schedule profitability, increase its aircraft utilization and be in prime position to take full advantage of future market growth and opportunities," said Zhen-Ming Hu, general manager, Airline Planning and International Affairs Department. "As we approach the 2008 Beijing Olympics and 2010 Shanghai World Expo, it is critical that we invest in world-class services to maximize our global opportunities."

As a preferred long-term partner of Sabre Airline Solutions, China Eastern Airlines has already implemented Sabre Movement Manager, Sabre Load Manager, Sabre Dispatch Manager and Sabre AirFlite Schedule Manager. In the past, China Eastern Airlines has also invested in the consulting expertise of Sabre Airline Solutions professionals.

Sabre Airline Solutions is the Asia/Pacific market leader in aviation technology. The company has experienced rapid growth in China and is working with the major airlines including Air China, China Eastern and China Southern. Sabre Airline Solutions recently established its Asia/Pacific headquarters in Shanghai as part of its move to advance the company's strategic business agenda in the world's fastest-growing market.