Vietnam Airlines has set up an e-commerce group to kick-start its electronic airline ticket (e-ticket) project, with paperless tickets to become the norm in early 2008. 

The national flag carrier is putting out a tender to seek an international professional contractor to map out the project. E-tickets are to replace paper air tickers as of January 1, 2008 in Vietnam, a year later than the International Air Transport Association (IATA) expected e-tickets to be available globally.

If everything goes smoothly from early 2008 passengers can buy tickets either via the Internet, Vietnam Airlines agents, or booking offices, allowing them to avoid the formalities associated with printed tickets.

Before their flights, passengers would complete automated procedures and only be required to show identity papers to airlines staff to check in and board.

Vietnam Airlines expects the new project will help cut prices by US$5-8 (VND79,530-127,248) per ticket.

The IATA expects the use of e-tickets will help the world aviation sector save some $3 billion a year.

(Source: Nguoi Lao Dong – Translated by Thu Thuy)