American Airlines to replace computer system

American's old computer system will be replaced with a modern one

The computer system called Sabre was invented over 50 years ago by IBM is still the central cog of American Airlines' information systems, but that will soon change.

The airline is planning to replace the old system for a new one that will be developed by Hewlett-Packard.

Parent company AMR's CEO Gerard Arpey praised the old system but underscored the need for new technology. "The current Passenger Service System has served us well for many decades and remains among one of the most reliable. Today's decision indicates our commitment to continue to deliver the most effective tools to our employees and outstanding service to our customers," said Arpey.

Some aviation industry experts are commenting on the size of this undertaking. "What American is doing is the equivalent of a brain transplant, heart transplant and a lot of plastic surgery, all simultaneously," said Henry Harteveldt, travel analyst with Forrester Research, quoted by the Chicago Tribune.

In addition to the amount of time and manpower it will take to implement the new software, continued training and maintenance will also be required. This may bode well for those entering the information technology field, as other companies with decades-old software are likely to follow American's lead.