Italy’s flag carrier Alitalia has joined the Worldspan Interchange in a bid to enhance its approach to electronic ticketing.The Interchange is an e-ticket message routing hub providing airlines holding IET agreements with other airlines seamless access to participating hub carriers. The product is a key component of Worldspan E- Ticket Technologies, a suite of quickly implemented, industry-first airline solutions developed and supported by global travel technology leader Worldspan, L.P.

“Alitalia recently joined the Worldspan Interchange and immediately requested a short lead time to establish our first IET connection. Worldspan enabled us to achieve a seamless connection with KLM in 11 days,” said Antonella Vecchio, head of Distribution and Revenue Management Systems for Alitalia. “This is a valuable technology for airlines looking for a fast and cost-efficient approach to electronic ticketing.”

“Having another major carrier such as Alitalia join the Interchange reflects confidence in our solution and fortifies one of the global travel industry’s most reliable interline e-ticketing hubs,” said Kevin Ficco, vice president - Airline Distribution and Business Development for Worldspan. “The Interchange is helping airlines and travel distributors serve travelers globally, delivering significant value to the travel distribution chain.”

The Worldspan Interchange is a mission critical technology for the airline industry as it strives to meet IATA’s mandate for 100 percent e-ticketing by the end of 2007. Airlines that join the Interchange achieve full hub access with a single implementation, and IET activations with other airlines are accomplished within days as opposed to the months required by other industry approaches.

Message translation functionality within the Interchange allows airlines using different versions of EDIFACT messaging technology to create a seamless interface via the hub-a superior communications feature that eliminates costly programming for airlines. Worldspan’s full suite of E-Ticket Technologies allows airlines to activate IET agreements and achieve a comprehensive e- ticketing and IET platform with remarkable speed. As the only solutions that let carriers adopt complete e-ticketing capabilities in stages and according to their unique financial goals, Worldspan E-Ticket Technologies enable airlines to meet immediate and forthcoming industry demands quickly and cost- effectively.

Alitalia is also a participant in Worldspan Airline Source®, the highest level of connectivity for airlines in the Worldspan global distribution system (GDS). Airline Source ensures Worldspan-connected travel retailers worldwide receive Alitalia’s most accurate availability, including last-seat availability, along with up-to-the-minute fares and rules, live seat maps, instant bookings and confirmations, and electronic ticketing capabilities. Alitalia also utilizes Worldspan Group Bridge(SM), providing Worldspan travel agencies in select markets a fully automated process for booking group travel on Alitalia.
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