Kingfisher, Paymate to launch FLYBUYSMST

MUMBAI, INDIA: Kingfisher Airlines has launched FLYBUYSMST, India's first SMS-based ticketing service that works across all mobile networks in India. This service innovation is the result of a strategic alliance with PayMate, India's leading wireless transactions company.

With the introduction of FLYBUYSMST, Kingfisher Airlines becomes the first airline in India to introduce an SMS-based service which allows customers to 'search, book and pay' for tickets start-to finish on the mobile itself. Being an SMS-based service, it is easy to use and works on any handset model or operator. Here's how it works:

Step 1: SEARCH

SMS KING < From City > < To City > < Date of Travel > to 5r667711 E.g. FLY Mumbai Delhi 25Oct

Step 2: BOOK

You will receive an SMS detailing all Kingfisher Airlines flights on the sector with departure time and best available fares. To book, reply to the SMS with the preferred flight option and guest's name.

Step 3: PAY

To buy the ticket, PayMate users can authorize the payment via SMS with their PayMate PIN. Non-PayMate users can pay securely with their credit card over an automatic IVR call-back. The booking details will be sent to customers shortly via SMS.

Commenting on the launch of this service, Dr. Vijay Mallya, chairman & CEO, Kingfisher Airlines said: "Kingfisher Airlines has always been at the forefront of innovation in the aviation industry. We have to our credit, several firsts in India, including being the first airline to operate with a fleet of brand new aircraft, the first to offer personalized in-flight entertainment, the first to offer home delivery of tickets and the first to offer a premium First Class service in the domestic skies. This SMS-based ticketing service is yet another effort to offer our guests unparalleled convenience via a world-class reservation facility."

Ajay Adiseshann, managing director and founder, PayMate added: "Considering the rapid proliferation of mobile handsets in the country, the cell phone will emerge as the premier device for conducting transactions. With the introduction of the Kingfisher Airlines-Paymate offering, customers will no longer be limited to internet bookings or bookings via their travel agents. It will be a truly anytime, anywhere experience targeted at anyone with a mobile handset. The simplicity of using SMS and the convenience of the mobile medium will make it a compelling ticketing channel in the near future and what better than partnering with India's most preferred airline."

Vikram Malhotra, head-marketing, Kingfisher Airlines, noted: "In a world where time is becoming the most precious asset, the challenge is to reach out to our customers rather than waiting for them to reach out to us. Kingfisher Airlines has always relied on innovative distribution models to provide unmatched access to its guests in the most convenient ways possible.

"Initiatives like online selling, home delivery of tickets, selling through bank ATMs, Reliance Web Worlds and the likes form a significant part of our strategy of making it extremely simple for our guests to book tickets on Kingfisher Airlines. FLYBUYSMST is the first-of-its-kind service in India, through which a Kingfisher Airlines ticket can be booked anywhere, anytime. This will enable guests to access Kingfisher Airlines at their own convenience and in real-time."