The advanced and secure data communication infrastructure will enable MEA to enhance the security of its head office to branches communication. The implemented network infrastructure is a fully redundant infrastructure, ensuring continuous access in the event of a link or site failure hence securing business continuity.

BMB assigned a Project Management Team exclusively for the MEA project. The team was dedicated to manage all project related tasks and channel support on a 24/7 basis. The BMB technical team managed to complete the project successfully in a shorter period than planned, six months instead of nine.

The project reduced the overall TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) for MEA, helped reduce drastically the monthly OPEX (Operation Expenses), and provided MEA with reliable and efficient communication services.

MEA moved to an IP (Internet Protocol) infrastructure following the restructuring of the company that took place between 1998 and 2002, turning their huge annual losses into a multimillion dollar profit company, through an inclusive business plan and extreme measures to modernize the company. The migration to an IP infrastructure is part of the global airline community’s commitment to become the first fully IP-enabled industry.

Director of IT Systems Engineering at Middle East Airlines, Mohamad Chehaitly, said: “BMB has provided MEA with a secured, highly available network with flexible bandwidth at a relatively competitive cost. The ROI for MEA on this project is very economical considering the bandwidth, BMB expertise and technical support. BMB technical staff proved to be of high technical caliber who were able to face the various challenges during the implementation of such huge project.”

“BMB was able to meet all MEA’s needs by applying its know-how and expertise in advanced technology solutions acquired over long years in the field in the local as well as in the regional market” said Maria Tohme, COO of BMB-Levant. “We are proud of our professional and dedicated team who have brought this project to full success, and we aim at continuing working closely with MEA and be ready for all their telecom needs and updates in the future” Mrs. Tohme said.

MEA will improve its customer service by providing the latest and best airline services around the clock, a luxurious travel experience from booking to landing.

(c) Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation. Date posted: 06-Apr-09

In-depth analysis of the Middle East airline and airport sectors, including latest traffic and financial reports and outlooks, is available each month in the Monthly Essential Middle East.