IATA issues last call for paper tickets

New Delhi, Aug 28: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has placed its final order for paper tickets.

Some 16.5 million paper tickets were ordered from seven specialised printers to supply the 60,000 accredited IATA travel agents in 162 markets around the world until May 31, 2008. From June 1 next year, 100 per cent of tickets issued through the IATA billing and settlement plan will be electronic.

''This is last call for paper tickets,'' said IATA's director general and CEO Giovanni Bisignani.

''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.'' IATA's settlement systems issue over 400 million tickets annually. With the volume of paper tickets now at 16 per cent of the total and an approaching deadline for the elimination of paper, the final order of tickets was made.

The order volume of 16.5 million took into account an estimate of current paper ticket stocks and estimated demand in order to ensure a robust supply of tickets to meet demand. Upon fulfilment of the final order, suppliers will decommission their ticket printing operations for IATA. ''We are changing an industry with tangible benefits for travellers, agents, airlines and the environment,'' said Mr Bisignani.

''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 nine dollars for every e-ticket compared to paper tickets adds up to three billion dollars in annual savings for the industry, he said. And eliminating paper will save the equivalent of 50,000 mature trees each year. E-ticketing is a winning proposition for everyone.

The IATA represents over 240 airlines comprising 94 per cent of international scheduled air traffic. It has 80 billing settlement plans covering more than 162 countries and territories that handle some 270 billion dollars annually.

UNI