Posted: 24 June 2008

The use of mobile phones for air transport services could have a significant effect on passenger delays, it has been suggested.

According to new research from IT provider SITA, over the next five years mobile technology could help cut delays by using text messaging to encourage passengers to move to their correct departure lounge on time.

It is also estimated that this could result in savings for airlines of up to $600 million (£306 million) and according to a spokesman for SITA, passenger tracking technology will not be the only new innovation, BCS reports.

Jim Peters, chief technology officer at the group said; "These 'digital travellers', will have on-demand access to a range of mobile-enabled services such as real time flight updates, self-service booking, check-in and boarding and mobile payments."

He added that some such services are currently being rolled out across airports in Norway, Japan and Germany where mobile ticketing is rapidly becoming a success.

Earlier this week, Mobile Burn reported that Delta Airlines was to trial a new service check-in and boarding pass download service for mobile phones.

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