Last Call for Paper Airline Tickets

A global airline body has placed its last order for paper tickets, meaning that by June 1, 2008 the industry will complete the transition to an electronic system.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) represents approximately 240 airlines that operate all but 6 percent of the world's international flights. By ending paper ticketing, the airlines save $9 per passenger and 50,000 trees a year.

Currently, about 84 percent of those who travel on IATA flights use paperless ticketing. Other non-IATA carriers have already transitioned to paper-free ticket systems.

"This is 'last call' for paper tickets," Director General and CEO Giovanni Bisignani said. "In just 278 more days, the paper ticket will become a collector's item." The company first launched its e-ticket initiative in early 2004.

It is not clear whether these savings will be passed on to the consumer. One of the first countries to go completely paperless will be China, as the body said it will have its system in place by the end of this year.

About 16.5 million paper tickets were ordered from 7 printers around the world. The body is confident that this number will be an ample supply to last through the deadline.

"We are changing an industry with tangible benefits for travelers, agents, airlines and the environment," Bisignani said. "E-ticketing is a winning proposition for everyone."