Amadeus receives second loan to support R&D plans

Amadeus receives second loan to support R&D plans

Amadeus has received a second loan worth €150 million from the European Investment Bank to support research and development plans in distribution over the next two years.

Amadeus has received a second loan worth €150 million from the European Investment Bank to support research and development plans in distribution over the next two years.

The loan is in addition to a previous €200 million received by Amadeus from the EIB in May last year for projects in its IT Solutions arm between 2012 and 2014.

Amadeus president and chief executive Luis Maroto added: “We are deeply proud to be able to announce, for the second time and within less than a year, that Amadeus has received funding from the prestigious European Investment Bank.

“We consider this the highest form of recognition for our long-standing commitment to developing innovative customer-focused solutions.

“The €150 million will be invested in the development of our distribution business line; it will allow us to continue to revolutionise travel reservation systems for both travel intermediaries and for travel providers, such as airlines, hotels, and railways.”

EIB vice president Philippe de Fontaine Vive Curtaz said: “This development loan to Amadeus follows on the success of the previous loan, announced in May last year.

“Again this is in line with our objective of making long-term finance available for sound investment in order to contribute towards EU policy goals.

“Amadeus’ pedigree in developing successful IT solutions and commitment to innovating in the travel industry is unquestionable. We are confident this helps to fulfill the objective of ensuring that Europe’s knowledge economy remains world-beating.”

Amadeus has 16 research and development centres employing 4,500 staff including those in Nice, London Antwerp, Aachen, Frankfurt, Strasbourg and Warsaw.