Airline back-office computer systems specialist Sita has warned that regional airlines' reluctance to convert their data systems to internet format could delay international goals for 100% electronic ticketing by 2007.
Speaking at last month's European Regions Airline Association general assembly in Vienna, Leo Dowling, head of partnership development for SITA's information network computing division, said the goal agreed by International Air Transport Association members in June to move to paperless check-ins within three years may be unachievable as small operators are still using conflicting, legacy software systems rather than ones based on internet protocols (IP). "Unless we get the regionals and the no-frills guys on board, 100% e-tickets by 2007 won't happen," he says.
Sita says that around 450 of 800 IATA member airlines have "migrated" to IP systems, but adds that the rest are largely smaller operators for which a technology upgrade represents a significant additional cost.
Dowling adds that other IATA computer goals also depend on all airlines adopting IP-based systems. IATA estimates the elimination of paper tickets could save the airline industry $3 billion a year in direct costs alone (Flight International, 15-21 June).
Source: Flight International
