‘Agency Activity’ is the new product of Sabre Airline Solutions to help airlines switch to e-ticketing beyond the markets covered by IATA’s financial billing system Billing and Settlement Plans (BSP). According to the company, the ‘Agency Activity’ system, part of Sabre Airline Solutions’ ‘SabreSonic’ passenger solutions suite, enables airlines to move closer to the target of 100 percent e-ticketing in all markets, rather than being forced to operate a dual electronic/paper ticket regime.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has set a deadline of May 2008 for the elimination of paper tickets issued under BSPs, and most airlines have switched, or are switching, to e-ticketing in BSP markets. But until now airlines have had to maintain paper ticketing in nearly 40 markets that do not have a BSP.

According to IATA, a 100 percent transfer to e-ticketing will help airlines collectively save at least US$3 billion annually, based on a per-ticket cost of US$1 for an e-ticket and US$10 for a paper one.

‘Agency Activity’ will allow airlines operating in these non-BSP countries, or those that do not participate in BSPs, to sell and receive payment for e-tickets. It also enables carriers to sell through non-IATA travel agents in BSP markets, widening their distribution and capturing greater revenue.

“By automating sales reporting, online invoicing and credit control in this way, we have given airlines a powerful tool to improve productivity, reduce financial risk and assist in reducing the payment collection cycle,” said Sabre Airline Solutions Vice President for EMEA Murray Smyth. “This is on top of being able to phase out paper ticketing completely – not just in markets that have BSPs.”

‘Agency Activity’ comprises two main modules. The ‘customer access’ module provides access to account information and invoices by agencies. The ‘airline administration’ part provides access to customer data and programme rules used by customer service agents, marketing analysts and revenue accounting.