Following the successful implementation of Interline Electronic Ticketing (IET) with American Airlines, British Airways (BA) and Emirates (EK) in its e-ticketing network, Gulf Air has now extended the IET facility with two more airlines – Oman Air (WY) and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (KL).
Passengers can now enjoy the convenience of using a single e-ticket for journeys on Gulf Air and these airlines to eligible destinations.
"This is another milestone in our continuous stride towards implementing electronic ticketing to make global travel easier especially when it involves more than one airline," says Gulf Air Vice President Information Technology Pauric Doyle.
The airline has leveraged it’s participation in the major Interline ET hubs, which reduces activation timelines dramatically and enables immediate access to all other linked airlines at minimal cost.
IET offers greater flexibility and convenience to passengers and the airlines; it makes it easier for travellers using electronic tickets to change travel plans and carriers while en route and, allows airlines to issue e-tickets on each other’s services and code share flights, where eligible.
"Gulf Air is one of the very few airlines to date to have completed e-ticketing in 70 per cent of its network. And we are well ahead in our plans to meet the International Air Transport Association (IATA) deadline of 31 December 2007 to complete e-ticketing," concludes Doyle.
Gulf Air already enjoys 'Green Status' by IATA in recognition of its progress towards achieving 100 per cent electronic ticketing by the deadline.
About Gulf Air
Founded in 1950, Gulf Air, owned by the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Sultanate of Oman, is the only truly Pan Gulf carrier in the Middle East region.
The regional, geographic and cultural values that the airline has embraced over more than half a century are still central to defining its brand and service ethos.
Today the airline’s network stretches from Europe to Asia and covers 50 cities in 30 countries. The fleet comprises 34 aircraft and has the distinct advantage of possessing the strongest network across the Middle East.
A platform for sustained commercial operation has been established over the past three years as part of a multi-phased turnaround programme. It has also provided a framework for a succession of innovative products and services including the unique Sky Chefs and Sky Nannies that form part of Gulf Air’s ’smart airline, successful business’ vision.
International recognition has been achieved as a result of the turnaround programme leading to numerous awards for the airline’s innovative and high quality products and services: These include:
• Best Onboard Catering in First and Business Class (Skytrax World Airline Catering Awards 2005)
• Best designed in-flight magazine (American Creativity Awards,2005)
• Middle East Leading First Class Airline (World Travel Awards 2005)
• World’s Leading Airport Lounge (World Travel Awards 2005)
• Middle East & North African Platinum Best Airline (MENA Travel Awards 2004
• Most Improved Airline (Skytrax Awards 2004)
• Middle East First Class Airline (Arabian Business Awards)
• Best new product launch for in-flight services (PAX international Readership Awards)
• Best First Class Onboard Food (Skytrax Food Category 2004)
• Best Business Class Check-in (Skytrax Check-in Category 2004)
• Middle East region’s best airport restaurant for its restaurant in Bahrain International Airport lounge (PAX International Readership Awards 2005)
