Optus Mobile today announced an Australian-first - a short message system (SMS) ticketless flight booking and information service for new airline Jetstar.
Optus and Start Corporation, an Australian provider of enterprise SMS applications, have worked together on developing 'JetSMS' following an initiative by Jetstar.
Allen Lew, Managing Director Optus Mobile, said the service will build upon the popularity and simplicity of SMS and is a complementary extension to web-based flight booking and information systems.
"With four out of five Australians now owning a mobile phone, it makes sense for flight bookings and information to be made available anywhere, anytime via SMS.
"JetSMS is another example of how Optus works with its partners - such as Start Corporation - to develop tailored mobile data solutions that meet business needs," Mr Lew said.
Jetstar Chief Executive Officer, Alan Joyce said the airline was committed to providing Australians with access to cost effective solutions to make booking and paying for flights easy.
"Given the popularity of SMS in Australia, we believe JetSMS will be a complementary addition to our other booking options."
Once registered for the service, a Jetstar customer will be able to use SMS to make flight bookings.
To make a flight booking, a customer types an SMS from their mobile phone to request flight information. An SMS is then sent back with the details of available flights. The customer then sends another SMS to confirm the flight required. Details of the confirmed booking are then sent to the phone, again via SMS. The customer simply retains the final SMS as confirmation of the booking and presents this to the check-in staff at the airport.
The service is expected to be live from late June 2004.
Standard SMS charges of 25 cents per message will apply to messages sent by customers using the flight booking and information service. Customers will not be charged for SMS messages received.
For further information on Optus visit: www.optus.com.au
For more information:
Germaine Graham
Optus Corporate Affairs
Tel: (02) 9342 5042