E-ticketing may bypass emerging markets, poll says

IDG News Service - Many airlines across the world will not meet the International Air Transport Association (IATA) target of introducing complete global e-ticketing by 2007, according to a recent survey.

A report on the survey, released by specialist airline IT provider State Information Technology Agency (SITA) last week, says that 68% of airlines worldwide will meet the target. SITA was established in 1999 by the South African government with the aim of becoming a global leader in public-sector information and communications technology.

The survey says that while most airlines are increasing their use of technology, selling and distributing tickets online and allowing passengers to check on their flights either online or through kiosks, a significant number of airlines are failing to do so and will fail to achieve IATA's goal. IATA is a governing body that creates regulation for international air transport.

SITA says that those airlines not offering complete global e-ticketing coverage will be skipping over emerging economies, and in the process may lose a competitive advantage.

SITA President Peter Buecking said that this may result in a two-speed industry, with weaker airlines losing competitive advantage because of a lack of technology investment.

E-ticketing is the easiest and fastest way for airlines to conduct business in today's world, Buecking said.

"The report therefore makes it clear that e-ticketing is a must for all airlines across the world because the system makes business quite easy as customers can make bookings online, which saves time and money," Buecking said.