TravelSky, the state-owned information technology provider for China's air travel industry, will open its flight-booking database to International SOS to facilitate medical assistance for travelers in case of emergencies.

Through the collaboration, International SOS will be able to gain real-time access to travel bookings and information on TravelSky's global distribution system, according to the agreement, which was signed on Thursday.

Once in operation, the partnership will benefit millions of international air travelers, said Arnaud Vaissie, president and CEO of International SOS, which operates in more than 70 countries, with 25 alarm centers and 31 international clinics.

It is arguably the first time China's civil aviation industry has agreed to share such information with an international partner to ensure travelers' safety, said Huang Yuanchang, deputy general manager of TravelSky.

"Given rising international exchanges related to China, the partnership will largely facilitate service providers' international emergency response to air travelers' needs, particularly medical assistance during their international trips," he said.

Currently, the services are open only to International SOS members, said Chen Jing, marketing manager of International SOS.

In China, most of its members are major state-owned companies and government departments such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, she said.

Based on data provided by TravelSky, International SOS can offer its members, via the Internet and web-enabled mobile devices, automated pre-travel advice specific to the destination, real-time travel tracking, on-demand and insightful reports and communication with globally-mobile employees.

With the services, member organizations can plan and act immediately in case of a crisis or simply arm employees with information that could ensure a safe and healthy trip.

"It'll help International SOS' member organizations manage their travel risks effectively," said Vaissie.

When a critical incident occurs, organizations that have made proactive arrangements to track, monitor and communicate with their business travelers will be able to manage and mitigate the impact of a crisis, he explained.

(China Daily October 29, 2010)