NEWS FROM THE UAE
Excerpts from UAE Dailies

Airlines come out with ‘stick’ to ensure ‘carrots’

DUBAI - Jun 29: — Many airlines are charging passengers for paper tickets in a bid to encourage electronic ticketing and reduce costs.

The trend became apparent yesterday after Etihad announced it would be charging Dh92 ($25) for paper tickets where e-ticketing is available from yesterday.

Airlines are pushing for electronic ticketing for passengers with a view to improving efficiency, airline sources say.

Many airlines had previously been charging for paper tickets in line with their separate policies and travel agencies said the charge for paper tickets was often not made distinct from the total ticket cost.

“E-ticketing was said to make the air travel process more flexible, reduce the risk of losing flight coupons, improve efficiency and help the environment,” an airline source said.

Meanwhile, several passengers have raised concerns about the ticket costs after Etihad made the announcement yesterday and other airlines consequently hinted at similar move.

However, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said e-ticketing would save the aviation industry $3billion annually. The IATA aims for airlines to achieve 100 per cent e-ticketing by the end of 2007.

A Cathay Pacific official said the airline had been promoting e-ticketing since 2005 and had implemented a charge of Dh100 per paper ticket since October 1, 2006.

Gulf Air charges $90 per paper ticket, according to London Travel and Tourism, a travel agency in Dubai. “Qatar Airways charges Dh100 and so does Air Lanka,” he said.

A British Airways official said the airline was focused on becoming an all e-ticket airline. “More than 90 per cent of all journeys on British Airways are by passengers using e-tickets,” he said.

“It is now mandatory for customers to have an e-ticket on all routes where e-ticket is available and applicable to them. If a customer would like a paper ticket on an e-ticket route they may be charged a service fee.” British Airways charges Dh150 per paper ticket.

More than 70 per cent of all Emirates’ ticketing transactions are electronic, according to an official of the airline. The airline introduced e-ticketing in 2003 and has experienced a rise in e-tickets issued from 45 per cent to more than 70 per cent during the last six months.

“Next year, we anticipate between 90 and 95 per cent of Emirates tickets to be issued as e-tickets,” she said.

An Air Arabia official said the airline used e-ticketing across the board as it was a low-cost airline.

“E-ticketing, paperless and on-line booking has been established since the airline’s beginning in October 2003,” he said.

A Thai Airways official said there were currently no facilities for e-ticketing with the airline in Dubai. “E-ticketing is likely to be introduced in August,” he said.

While Thai Airways has facilities for e-ticketing on other routes, it does not have a fee policy for paper tickets.

Air India and Indian do not provide e-ticketing, according to travel agencies.

KHALEEJ TIMES

Two-wheelers not exempt from Salik

DUBAI — Jun 29: The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has stated that motor-cycles are not exempt from the toll fees. Riders should paste the tags on the motor-cycle’s front windshield, if there is one. If not, riders should subscribe in the same way as motorists and cameras at the toll gates will scan the bike’s registration number and deduct the fees accordingly.

The authority has also advised motorists to go through the details attached with Salik welcome kit and read the instructions to install the tag on the car windshield. For further assistance, check out web site www.salik.ae or call 800-72545.

Salah Mohammad Al Marzouqi, Deputy Director of Traffic Department Intelligent Traffic Systems and Manager Traffic Department Roads and Transport Authority, said, “Motorists who use Shaikh Zayed Road where the toll gates are located, at Garhoud Bridge and near the Mall of the Emirates must apply for and buy the Salik welcome kit containing the Salik windshield tag from petrol stations (Eppco, Enoc, Emarat) and branches of Dubai Islamic Bank and Emirates Bank. The welcome kit costs Dh100, of which Dh50 is charged as fee to open the account and the rest counted as credit.

Motorists have been reminded that after subscription they will receive an SMS which states the account number and pin. The tag will be automatically activated even if the SMS is not immediately received.

KHALEEJ TIMES

Warning on rice price

ABU DHABI - Jun 29:  The Consumer Protection Section of the Abu Dhabi Economy and Planning Department has urged consumers to alert the authorities if they notice an increase in rice prices that is more than the permissible maximum limit of 20 per cent.

Ahmed Rashid Al Mansouri, head of the Consumer Protection Section, told Khaleej Times that the decision taken by the authorities -to cap the rice price hike at a maximum 20 per cent- should be respected by all shops and traders.

“Anyone violating the resolution will be liable to fine and trial,” he warned.

Al Mansouri said consumers can dial the toll free number 8008811 to report any complaints about anomalies in prices charged on goods.

KHALEEJ TIMES