Last call for paper plane tickets
27 August 2007
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has placed its final order for paper tickets as the global aviation industry readies itself to go paperless within the year – and save at least R21 billion in the process.
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 31 May 2008. From 1 June 2008, all tickets issued through the IATA Billing and Settlement Plan will be electronic
“This is ‘last call' for paper tickets,” says IATA director-general and CEO Giovanni Bisignani. “It's been 38 months since we launched the drive for 100% e-ticketing as part of IATA's ‘Simplifying the Business' initiative. E-ticketing went from 16% in June 2004 to 84% today. And in just 278 more days the paper ticket will become a collector's item.”
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,” adds 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 $9 (about R64) for every e-ticket compared to a paper tickets adds up to $3 billion (R21 billion) in annual savings for the industry. Eliminating paper will save the equivalent of 50 000 mature trees each year.