Indian to offer e-tickets by 2006

Customers of Indian, formerly known as Indian Airlines, can avail of online reservation facilities beginning from this year-end.

"We have signed the tripartite agreement with Amadeus and IBM to provide e-ticket facilities to our customers," Indian director Anil Goyal said.

Under the agreement, Amadeus would provide e-ticket hosting service, IBM will help with implementing solutions while Indian will facilitate e-reservation through its sales network.

The agreement will enable the company to save expenses incurred by issuing paper ticket," Goyal said, refusing to disclose the value of the contract.

Goyal, however, clarified that the company's decision to go in for a e-ticket solution would not affect its chain of travel agents.

On its part, Amadeus will help the state-owned carrier increase its operational efficiency and assist travel agents by reducing the workload associated with issuing, storing and distributing paper tickets.

Amdeus managing director (Indian Subcontinent) Ankur Bhatia said, "With Amadeus system being integrated seamlessly into Indian's reservations and departure control system, it would enable the carrier to interline efficiently with airlines already part of the its client chain."