Newstrack

Cochin Airport to accept e-tickets by May 2008

Andrea Lopez - Kochi

Cochin International Airport (CIAL) has come to an agreement with Air India and SITA to set up a Common User Terminal Equipment (CUTE) system that is a mandatory requirement for the acceptance of e-tickets at airports.

The initiative was expected to come into force from December 2006. However, the date has now been extended to May 2008. Currently, Air India possesses the ground handling contract for Cochin airport till 2009, while telecommunications service provider SITA has a contract till 2012. The check-in counter system, known as the Departure Control System (DCS) is connected to the CUTE system, thus linking each individual check-in area to the concerned airline that the passenger is boarding.

The board of governors of IATA has the agreed to extend the date, and the idea is to do away with paper tickets altogether. "In all likelihood, the CUTE system will be implemented this month and Ground Handling Agents (GHAs) will be trained to operate it," says Sunil Chopra, manager, India for IATA. He added, "At the end of the day, when you have international airlines flying to CIAL airport, there should be a norm against which all airports operate. When paper is pulled out altogether, it will be a major point of concern for airlines operating to Cochin airport because the city may be commercially viable but the airport needs to be just as equipped. As IATA, we are helping to tackle this issue."

The move spells good news for both passengers and airlines. It would mean easier handling of itinerary changes, particularly last minute travel decisions as well as the nullification of 'lost-tickets'. As far as the airlines are concerned, e-ticketing will save the industry at least US$ 3 billion per year; an e-ticket costs US$ 1 to process verses US$ 10 per paper ticket. It will also ensure retention of interline revenue as the entire industry implements e-ticketing together.