New Delhi : Jet Airways is readying to roll out a slew of consumer-centric initiatives. The first to hit the ground is the automated ticketing facility for travel agents by March-end 2001. This will be followed by the installation of a new, sophisticated check-in system by early April 2001.The automated ticketing solution, being installed with support from travel and technology distribution company Galileo India across its agency locations, allows the travel agents to print automated Jet Airways tickets.The initiative - which is a departure from manual ticketing - is expected to enhance the travel agency's productivity by around 90 per cent by bringing efficiencies in booking system. In terms of benefit to customers, any improvement on the end-service is designed to provide passengers a better experience.Says Mr Gaurang Shetty, general manager, marketing, Jet Airways: ``We'll use initiatives like automated ticketing as a tool to gain marketshare. We'll intensely communicate in all our advertising about the new initiative.''The move - described as the first in the industry - comes close on the heels of a radical update of Jet's interiors, culinary and cutlery, and reward schemes in November-December 2000. Jet Airways commands around 40 per cent marketshare of the domestic aviation market.
Jet Airways and Galileo have already taken the roadshow to Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, Bangalore, Delhi and Calcutta. Says Mr Raja Natesan, general manager, Galileo India: ``In the first phase by April-end, we'll target around 250 travel agents - these account for over 60 per cent of overall ticketing volumes. By mid-next year we'll cover all key agents.'' Galileo India has 1,300 travel agencies in the country.
Mr Shetty says that for the moment Jet would remain focused on selling tickets only via travel agents. ``As for selling on the Netis concerned, we are still looking at technology options available to us. No plans have been concluded.''
Beginning April 2001, Jet will also move to a new check-in system. The platform for the new check-in system has been developed by Sabre. Says Mr Shetty: ``Our objective is to provide a seamless product from booking to flight. The provision of facilities like self-service kiosks andmobile check-in will give richer experience to passengers.''
Jet is investing substantially in Sabre's platform - which can also incorporate breakthrough developments like wireless check-in (being developed in the US) and other upgrades.
Jet Airways (1999-00 sales: $454 million) has a fleet of 25 Boeing aircraft and five ASTR 72-500s. The carrier operates 195 flights daily to 37 destinations. The carrier's frequent flier programme Jet Privilege has already enhanced its membership base from 30,000 to 170,000, with the upscale Gold and Silver categories accounting for 20 per cent of the base and the remaining by the blue Jet Privilege.
Also, having won the prestigious Air Transport World Award recently, Jet is launching new promotional packages and bundling schemes with consumer durable brands and hotels for the summer of 2001. In the next couple of months, Jet will also be extending its new changes in in-flight menu to smaller routes like Delhi-Jammu and Mumbai-Calicut.
Mr Shetty says that during the peak season of October-March, Jet's PLF has been higher by 10 per cent compared to the corresponding period last year. ``The load factor was high at 70 per cent in the Mumbai-Delhi sector,'' he says.
Jet's partner for ticketing solution, Galileo India is a leading CRS company, and has extended its operations to over 80 cities with 18 dedicated offices. The company has deployed over 2,400 terminals nationwide and five of six multinational travel agencies in India are exclusive Galileo users.
Copyright © 2001 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
