In line with IATA’s deadline for withdrawal of paper ticket stocks, travel agents use of BSP neutral paper ticket stock using the Ethiopian Airlines accounting/platting code (ET 071) shall not be supported. As a result, Ethiopian Airlines stipulates the use of e-ticket on all itineraries where e-ticket is applicable.

Therefore:

• No paper ticket should be issued on/after 01 June 2008
• Where a paper ticket has been erroneously issued on/after 1 June 2008, the sale will be unreported in the BSP, and therefore it will not be accepted for normal sales reporting and travel.
• A passenger holding such a ticket may be stopped at check-in by an airline agent noting the issuance date of the ticket and will not be allowed to travel or may be requested to purchase a new ticket.

In the meantime, to streamline the ticketing process for the remaining proportion o f the new itineraries that are not eligible for electronic ticketing, Ethiopian Airlines allows the use of V-MPD (Virtual Multi Purpose Document, an IATA Product found in the BSPlink) for the following purposes ( “Reasons for Issuance”).

1. PTA (Pre-paid Ticket Advise)
2. Collection of rebooking fees
3. Excess baggage

Please confirm with Ethiopian Airlines local office for acceptable list of the “reasons for issuance” in our respective markets.

Incorrect usage of “reason for issuance” codes shall result in payment being not recognized by Ethiopian Airlines. Any cost due to duplication of a V-MPD exchange to a value document shall be charged to the travel agent.

Procedures on issuance of V-MPD are being developed for further guidance on V-MPD and shall soon be communicated.

For best practices on V-MPD issuance you may contact your local BSP representative.

May 12, 2008

V- MPD Procedures

V-MPD is a virtual representation of an MPD (a Multi purpose document), which serves as a form of payment or a record of pre-payment for different transactions /purposes as acceptable to the Airline. Ethiopian airlines shall allow the use of V-MPD in all BSPs to fill the gaps in the shift to 100% e-ticketing and the withdrawal of paper tickets from BSP on/after 01 June, 2008, an industry wide initiative by IATA. The gap is mainly due to uncompleted/yet to be completed interline agreements between carriers.

The whole V-MPD handling process and the procedures are outlined as follows in terms of responsibilities of the Travel agent.

Responsibilities of a Travel Agent issuing a V-MPD on Ethiopian

Travel agent shall issue V-MPD through the BSPlink for journeys that are not e-ticket eligible on/after 1 June, 2008, which then shall be exchanged into a value document applicable at Ethiopian Ticket offices upon receipt of a printed copy of the V-MPD issued. Accordingly, travel agent shall adhere to the following procedures while issuing V-MPDs:

1. Travel agent shall specify the correct reason for issuance and reason for issuance code.
2. Travel agent shall verify the fare to be used with Ethiopian offices before issuing the V-MPD.
3. Travel Agent shall show the fare breakdowns in the remarks box for each V-MPD issued.
4. Travel agent shall reflect the bank exchange rate of the day in the remarks box.
5. Travel agent shall put an initial and a seal on the printed copy of the V-MPD that is to be presented to Ethiopian Ticket offices.
6. Travel agent shall input the V-MPD number and the reason for issuance in the PNR using SSR remark.
7. Travel agent shall Queue the PNR to the Ethiopian Airlines.
8. Travel agent shall make sure that any V-MPD issued in its name is not misused in anyway.

Incorrect usage of “reason for issuance” codes shall result in payment being not recognized by Ethiopian Airlines. Any cost due to duplication of a V-MPD exchange to a value document shall be charged to the travel agent.

May 19, 2008