In the countdown to the IATA deadline, e-ticketing solutions for low cost carriers are essential. So far, 74 airlines are hosted on Amadeus e-Ticket Server, Amadeus has enabled e-ticketing for 268 airlines and in 154 markets world-wide and Amadeus has put in place over 1400 interlining agreements for airlines.

Amadeus, a global leader in technology and distribution solutions for the travel and tourism industry, is playing an exceptional role helping airlines to meet the IATA e-ticket deadline of the end of May 2008.

Amadeus has completed over 1400 interline agreements for airlines, meaning their passengers can purchase a single e-ticket for the entirety of a journey with multiple, pre-designated airlines. The number of interline implementations is still growing at a pace of 100 new agreements per month.

Further, now that more and more airlines are already prepared for the IATA initiative of 100% e-ticketing, Amadeus is also helping low cost carriers with their needs for interline electronic ticketing (IET). WestJet and Virgin Blue have already contracted the Amadeus e-ticketing solution to prepare for their interlining agreements with full service carriers and their subsequent need for IET.

"Amadeus is making strides to ensure the industry is on track to meet the extended e-ticketing deadline. Over 91% of the tickets issued through our system are now electronic," commented Frédéric Spagnou, Vice-President, Airline Business Group, Amadeus.

"As a preferred IATA e-ticketing supplier, we recognise the significant improvements to the customer experience that can be achieved through e-ticketing, as well as the considerable efficiency savings and revenue opportunities it opens up for airlines."

Amadeus, as the world leader in e-ticket distribution and technology, has to date enabled e-ticketing for 268 airlines across 154 markets. These figures exceed those of any other single supplier.