British Airways launches e-ticket for travel trade

Working closely alongside Galileo, a Cendant Company and one of the leading suppliers of Global Distribution Services, British Airways can now offer customers efficient and cost-effective ticketing.

Appreciating the desire for simple and hassle-free travel, British Airways has met the growing demand for internet-based solutions by partnering with Galileo to expand the availability of e-tickets. At present, more than 75 per cent of the tickets issued at the local British Airways offices in the GCC are e-tickets.

"As the only European carrier in the region to introduce e-ticketing, we are taking the lead in implementing the new technologies available in the travel industry," said Steve Harrison, British Airways Area Manager, Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia. "The advantages of e-tickets for our trade partners and customers are enormous. With e-ticket being available on more than 95 per cent of British Airways' routes worldwide, as well as on connections to our oneworld alliance partners, we feel certain that this will give travellers in the GCC increased flexibility and freedom with their journey."

With a focus on electronic ticketing being available for the trade, British Airways hopes to save travel agents valuable time and costs. Not only is it quicker to book and issue an e-ticket, savings can be made due to less paper usage, courier fees, and of course, time. With more efficient processing travel agents can now spend more time focusing on their customers.

Further benefits include the fact that since e-tickets cannot be lost or stolen, travel agents don't have to spend time on re-issuing tickets. Likewise, any changes in flight details are automated and there is no longer a need to re-issue the ticket or to endorse the existing ticket with a sticker.

For customers, the advantages of using e-tickets are numerous. For instance, e-tickets can be changed remotely so there is no need to visit a travel desk or agent, they can be changed up to 30 minutes before check-in closes, automatic refunds are available and customers are also able to enjoy a quicker check-in experience.

"Galileo is committed to driving e-ticketing," said Charles de Silva, Galileo Director Middle East & Africa. "The roll out of e-tickets for our agents means that they can direct their attention to providing customers in the GCC with a personal touch to better their journey. We are excited about the possibilities that electronic ticketing has for us and look forward to a successful ongoing partnership with British Airways".