$3 Billion for those Paper Tickets

Travelmole.com reports that the end is near for paper airline tickets.

“E-ticketing is the top priority because it would generate the most savings. Each air ticket costs nine US dollars, so eliminating paper tickets could save the industry three billion US dollars per year. It will also be more convenient for customers and give greater flexibility to travel agents.

Currently, 19% of tickets processed through IATA are ticketless and this is expected to rise to 40 per cent by the end of 2005. Mr Bisignani said IATA would work with airlines over the next three years to help them prepare for 2007, the self-imposed deadline for scrapping all paper tickets.”