Aeroflot moves into world of e-ticketing

Aeroflot, Russia’s national airline, is planning on allowing customers to book their seats online and travel with e-tickets on all routes, by early 2008. Currently, e-tickets are only issued on approximately 40 of all Aeroflot routes. By December 2007, e-tickets should be available on 60 routes, with this number growing further in early 2008. The airline is required to make the adjustment, after receiving the 2008 deadline by the International Air Transport Association, by which point Aeroflot must offer electronic ticketing on all of its routes.

Aeroflot is also trying to encourage travelers to book their tickets directly online, using the carrier’s website, rather than through an agent, call centre or other internet travel portals. As of September 21, 2007, Aeroflot will be offering a modest 3% discount to all passengers who book online at aeroflot.ru. This amount will be automatically deducted from the price of the ticket.

In addition to its increasing online presence, Aeroflot has also been in the news recently for its possible interest in buying Alitalia, Italy’s beleaguered national carrier. Although the Russian airline is believed to have set its eyes on Alitalia, Aeroflot noted that it must first be invited to submit a purchase proposal for the airline and that this has not yet happened. Before Aeroflot can make a decision on submitting a possible offer for Alitalia, the airline will have to be approached, according to Valery Okulov, the Russian flag carrier’s director. Okulov is also looking for clarification, in terms of what conditions would be attached to Alitalia’s sale.

www.aeroflot.co.uk