Cathay Pacific Airways has announced that it will support a mandate from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) by becoming a 100 per cent e-ticketing airline with effect from June 1, 2008. From that date onwards, all passengers flying on Cathay Pacific-only services will receive only electronic tickets from travel agents.

The move to full e-ticketing is in accordance IATA's mandate to introduce e-ticketing worldwide. Passengers can look forward to more convenient travel as e-tickets eliminate the problem of lost tickets, enable much easier handling of last-minute itinerary changes and allow for a wide array of self-service options including online and self-service kiosk check-in.

From June 1, travel agents worldwide (except in the United States) will no longer issue paper tickets for travel. Passengers will be issued with an e-ticket itinerary receipt by their travel agent or airline at the time of booking and will be asked to bring the receipt and valid travel documents for check-in.

Cathay Pacific Director Sales & Marketing James Barrington said: "We are pleased to be able to conform with the IATA mandate on worldwide electronic ticketing, The convenience of e-ticketing, combined with the increased self-service options we are now offering, provides passengers with more control over their journey. And from an industry perspective e-ticketing offers some cost and environmental benefits."

In terms of environmental impact, it is estimated that the IATA push for 100 per cent e-ticketing will save the equivalent of around 50,000 mature trees each year.

Paper tickets issued on or before May 31, 2008, for journeys beginning on or after June 1 will still be valid for travel. Passengers are advised to contact the issuing travel agent or any Cathay Pacific office if they have queries about their travel arrangements.