Jetstar Airlines Announces World’s First Boarding Passes via Mobile Phone

“Retrieving a boarding pass for a domestic flight will now be as simple as receiving a standard text message 24 hours prior to travel and having that SMS message electronically scanned at the gate to produce a boarding pass if you do not have bags to check-in,” said Jetstar Chief Executive Officer, Bruce Buchanan.

Jetstar passengers who Web- Check in for Australian domestic flights will soon be given the option to have their boarding passes and unique boarding codes sent to their mobile phone via a standard text SMS message.

Its operation will be unique and different from some other airlines who have introduced this technology to WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) or internet enabled handsets. In a global first, any mobile phone will be able to accept the Jetstar boarding pass via a common text message.

In addition, Jetstar plans to introduce 24-hour automatic check-in service to enhance this technological breakthrough.

The services will allow customers who purchase fares via www.Jetstar.com to request at the time of booking that the airline automatically check the passenger(s) in 24 hours prior to their etstar flight with the boarding pass to be sent via email or SMS text message. Melbourne-based Company, Sissit Group, has developed the SMS technology with which Jetstar has a Research and Development arrangement to create the world’s first technology of this type.

The new SMS Boarding system will initially be tried at Melbourne Avalon Airport with an anticipated Jetstar Australian domestic network wide roll out by this year’s end if the technology proves successful.

Mr. Buchanan said successful take-up of the technology, following the commencement of airport specific trials, are planned to be introduced in other markets, including its domestic New Zealand services.