Air Zimbabwe

Air Zimbabwe moving with industry trends in e-business

News by Air Zimbabwe Aero

Update 09 Apr, 2008

Air Zimbabwe Holdings, in line with the International Air Transport Association IATA, industry priority of Simplifying the Business StB, has over the past nine months made significant progress in e-ticketing (electronic ticketing). The deadline for 100% e- ticketing compliance for all IATA member airlines is set for 31 May 2008. e-ticketing is estimated to save the industry USD3 billion per annum. A paper ticket costs US$10 versus an e-ticket which costs US$1, the airline will realize a total saving of US$ 9 per ticket.

An electronic ticket is a paperless ticket, which is captured in the passengers booking and resides in the airline’s system. At the point of sale a receipt is generated which caries the passengers’ itinerary and booking reference number. A passenger simply presents his ID or passport at check-in and is automatically processed.

Air Zimbabwe issued its first e ticket in August 2007, and to date has issued 40 000
e-tickets.  The airline is 80% e-ticketing, globally, and recently set up a help desk to support users, which includes airline staff, ground handling companies, and travel agents. The help desk offers assistance where users may be experiencing problems at any point in the e-ticket process – at point of booking, check-in, or ticket cancellation.

The benefits of e-ticketing include stress free ticketing for customers and reduced possibility of lost tickets. Passengers can access their e-tickets anywhere and any time. Changes to itineraries no longer have to be made in person at the airlines sales offices or travel agent but can be simply done over the telephone.

The airline is at an advanced stage in the development of its Internet Booking Engine (IBE), which will enable passengers to book and purchase their tickets online, offering the traveler convenience, flexibility and control of their travel arrangements. The airline expects to launch internet booking by mid year.

Call 0129 322 6510 for more.