Mobile messaging operator TynTec has announced a strategic partnership with airline industry body IATA. The partnership, which will see TynTec working with IATA on the Bar Coded Boarding Passes (BCBP) initiative, will be aimed at working with airlines and their IT providers to enhance the customer self-service experience with mobile boarding passes as well as improving airline operations through real-time ticket status.
TynTec offers a managed service that provides strict Service Level Agreements (SLAs) guaranteeing the reliability of SMS communication during check-in and the authenticity of the 2D barcode during boarding. SMS, in combination with the mobile internet, is the preferred delivery mechanism for 2D barcodes due to its simplicity, international reach and ubiquity across all handset models.
TynTec already works for a number of companies in the airline sector including British Airways, providing guaranteed SMS delivery using their carrier-grade connection into the global mobile backbone. The company hopes to use the new IATA partner status to extend their reach in the airline industry, which is committed to providing mobile boarding passes by 2010.
Markus Kramer, Director of Enterprise Messaging at TynTec, said: "The air transport sector is very forward-looking when it comes to innovation in mobile services so this is an exciting partnership opportunity for us. The ubiquity of mobile makes SMS a perfect medium for delivering vital information to customers and staff around the world and we're in a hugely strong position to help the industry fulfil that potential.
"The strength of TynTec's carrier-grade infrastructure, coupled with the fact that we work to such rigorous SLAs, means that we can help air transport organisations provide mobile services to customers and aircrew with complete confidence."