Singapore -- Abacus International, Asia Pacific’s leading travel facilitator, last week reported that the switch on June 1 to issuing all air tickets electronically went through a hitch for Abacus and Abacus-connected travel agents.

The goal for effective100% e-ticketing and the target date was set by travel industry organisation IATA, with strong support from the airline industry and it is believed the move could save the travel industry US$3 billion each year.

In a media statement, President and CEO of Abacus, Robert Bailey, said the feedback from partner agencies and Abacus-connected agents showed few had experienced problems with the new ticketing requirements.

“The whole industry has been in preparation for the June 1 switchover for many years and Abacus has been working very closely with all our employees across the region, as well as 450 airlines and agents in over 15,000 travel agency locations throughout Asia Pacific, to ensure we were all ready to make the move,” he said.

The benefits of complete e-ticketing will be felt across the entire travel industry and beyond. “E-tickets are not only more secure and convenient for customers, but they offer substantial cost benefits for airlines of around US$9 per ticket issued,” said Mr Bailey.