Merging data and more

A new data integration platform will help US Airways meet its centralized business reporting and information management goals, as well as additional challenges stemming from its recent merger with America West. The combined company is now reported to be the fifth largest domestic airlines.

US Airways has chosen Informatica PowerCenter data integration platform and PowerExchange data access software. Andrew Clifford, senior manager with US Airways, explains, "The platform will help us manage data volumes that tripled overnight as a result of our merger and provides a robust framework for leveraging real-time data generated by the systems that run the combined airline. For example, PowerCenter and PowerExchange will enable US Airways to analyze events affecting aircraft maintenance and operations as they happen, which will help make our operations more transparent, efficient and cost-effective."

Clifford said that the airline chose the new system because of its proven mainframe data access, performance and scalability. According to a press release from Informatica, its solution at US Airways will replace multiple data integration routines developed in-house, provide access to changed data records in real time from the airline's mainframe operating environment and consolidate records into a single enterprise data warehouse.

The consolidated data will be used by line personnel and managers enterprisewide for operational reporting, inventory management, parts purchasing and aircraft maintenance records, as well as in other operations. The solution will cleanse the collected data, ensure its integrity and provide an audit trail, according to Informatica.