E-tickets near full take off as IATA places final paper order

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The International Air Transport Association (IATA), has placed its last order for paper tickets in preparation for 100 per cent paperless ticketing from next June.

The global body, which represents more than 240 airlines, who together make up 94 per cent of all scheduled air traffic, this week requested 16.5 million paper tickets to supply some 60,000 accredited IATA travel agents around the world before next year's deadline when all travel documents issue through the IATA billing and settlement plan (BSP) will be in the form of electronic tickets (e-tickets).

IATA's systems currently issue more than 400 million tickets each year, with paper tickets still accounting for 16 per cent of this volume.

"This is 'last call' for paper tickets," said Giovanni Bisignani, IATA's chief executive and director general. "It's been 38 months since we launched the drive for 100 per cent e-ticketing as part of IATA's Simplifying the Business initiative. E-ticketing went from 16 per cent in June 2004 to 84 per cent today. And in just 278 more days the paper ticket will become a collector's item.

"We are changing an industry with tangible benefits for travellers, agents, airlines and the environment. Consumers enjoy the convenience and flexibility of paperless travel. Agents have the opportunity to broaden the scope of their business and serve their customers remotely. The cost saving of $9 for every e-ticket compared to a paper ticket adds up to $3 billion in annual savings for the industry. And eliminating paper will save the equivalent of 50,000 mature trees each year. E-ticketing is a winning proposition for everyone."

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