E-ticketing braced to take off in India

Indian travellers do not have to worry about loosing air tickets and carrying paper tickets, thanks to the concept of e-tickets introduced by global distribution system providers Amadeus and Galileo.

Moreover, according to estimates, e-ticketing will allow airlines to save up to $7 to $8 per ticket, which can be passed on to passengers.

Amadeus has partnered 11 leading international airlines, including Air France, American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Delta Airlines, KLM, British Airways, Lufthansa German Airlines, Northwest Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Swiss International, and United Airlines.

Galileo has ties with Air Canada, Continental Airline, Cathay Pacific, Delta Airlines, Air New Zealand, Qantas Airways, South African Airlines, Virgin Atlantic American Airlines, Air France, British Airways, Deutsche BA, KLM, KLM Excel, KLM UK, Lufthansa German Airlines, Northwest Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Swiss International and United Airlines.

As a preparatory step for roll-out of e-tickets, Amadeus also trained Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel at the Airport Authority of India.

In the first phase, 3,500 personnel have been trained on the acceptance of e tickets in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and Bangalore.

Ankur Bhatia, managing director Amadeus India, said "At Amadeus, the roll-out of e-tickets is a significant deliverable in this direction which will provide greater ease of use for the end traveler who now doesn't need to carry a physical ticket every time. While for the airlines and travel agent the paperless ticket is a practical option resulting in greater cost efficiencies and better service."

Amadeus is also exploring the possibility of e-tickets for domestic travel, and is in advanced stages of talks with domestic airlines for roll-out.

Under the e-ticketing model, once an agent confirms a reservation, an e-ticket will be generated and then sent across to the traveller by email, fax or mail along with an itinerary receipt. The traveller will then use this as a reference while checking in at the airport.

According to Seema Luthra, president and chief executive, Galileo India, " E-ticketing is a key focus for us since all parties benefit from paperless travel and we are therefore looking to bring e-ticketing to as many airlines as we can in the near future."