VLM Airline has relaunched its website www.flyvlm.com, offering passengers a higher level of internet service.Ê Beyond aesthetic restyling, the site now combines fast and efficient booking and e-ticketing, with information on the airline and its network.

ÊIn 2004 VLM Airlines experienced a 17% growth in online bookings compared to just 3% in 2003. The airline predicts the new site and user-friendly booking system will continue to boost online sales and aims for an increase of 25% in 2005. In just a few clicks flights are displayed on screen with the lowest available price, and each flight is clearly labelled with its pricing category, such as ‘VLM Bargain’.Ê In addition, passengers can save trip plans and flight itineraries and store data field information for use in future bookings, speeding up the process even further. Since launching the new system VLM Airlines has already seen an increase in internet bookings of over 30% versus last month.

E-ticketing is now available through the airline’s website and call centre on the vast majority of routes in the network, offering a more convenient and environmentally friendly alternative to paper tickets. VLM Airlines is one of the first regional airlines to offer this service and is well ahead of the global airline industry objective, to ban paper tickets by 2007.Ê Before the end of 2005, the airline also plans to offer e-ticketing through GDS, used by Travel Agents.Ê Passengers who prefer a paper ticket can still choose to receive one for a small cost, with tickets available for pick up at the airport prior to departure.

Rony Timmermans, CFO and Commercial Director ad interim of VLM Airlines comments: “The new website and e-ticketing demonstrates the airline’s commitment to offer modern solutions to time-poor business travellers.Ê Our passengers rely on us for our efficient service and VLM Airlines is able to offer that from the moment passengers log on, until they land at their chosen destination.”
——-