Lao Airlines is to implement e-ticketing

Lao Airlines is to implement e-ticketing and has signed up to Amadeus' e-Retail system, an e-Commerce global booking solution.

Scheduled to take place in stages, the first phase of the e-ticketing implementation will enable Lao Airlines to issue e-tickets to selected travel agents in Thailand. Subsequently, the access will be widened to include all agents in Laos, and all markets in Asia Pacific including their major markets in other regions. The move sees Lao Airlines conforming to the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) January 2008 deadline for 100% paperless ticketing for airlines, which is anticipated to save the industry up to US$3 billion per annum when in full effect.

A separate agreement has also been signed by Lao Airlines to adopt the Amadeus e-Travel Airline Suite solution, which will allow travelers to make their reservations online from the convenience of home or an internet café. Available in 23 languages, the solution currently powers more than 120 websites and over 70 airlines in at least 75 markets around the world.

Mr. Saleum Tayarath, Deputy Commercial Director, Lao Airlines, “With the promise of substantial savings, the move to paperless ticketing became a clear route for Lao Airlines. Naturally, the challenge was to locate a dependable partner who could ensure a smooth and seamless transition from paper tickets to electronic ones.”

“At the same time, there was also a need for an online platform to help broaden the access of our tickets to travelers, so as to better align ourselves with the big industry players. Being the market leader for both the e-ticketing and e-commerce sectors, Amadeus became our obvious choice as technology partner,” Mr. Tayarath added.

Lao Airlines currently flies to major Asian cities including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hanoi, Kunming, Luang Prabang, Pakse, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Vientiane.