Vision:
- 100% implementation of e-ticketing worldwide by 2007.
Benefits:
100% e-ticketing will save the industry up to US$ 3.0 billion per year.
- IATA processes 300 million paper tickets each year.
- An e-ticket costs US$1 to process.
- Paper tickets cost up to US$10 to process.
Convenience:
- Easier handling of itinerary changes and last minute travel decisions
- More effective use of internet capabilities
- No more "lost tickets"
Additional e-ticketing cost savings derive from:
- Elimination of printing, postage, shipping, storage and accounting costs
- Elimination of costs for collateral materials (envelopes/ticket jackets)
- Reduction in counter airport counter space through increased use of self-service check-in
- Increased efficiency in revenue accounting
Implementation:
Driving paper out of ticket process with Electronic Ticketing (e-ticketing) is achievable by the target date of 2007
All major components for 100% e-ticketing are in place:
- Robust technology in place in many airlines, or from GDS and other service providers;
- Various solutions for inter-connections of ET Systems for interline ET (Hub Ware solution developed by different providers);
- Technical expertise at all levels;
- Proven cost benefit
All IATA offices will be capable of handling e-ticketing in BSPs by the end of 2004.
IATA's Action List
- Stop distributing paper tickets by end 2007
- Coordinate all stakeholders to ensure readiness
- Ensure education and technical support systems for less developed regions
- Examine the feasibility of eliminating all other paper documents