Aeroflot passengers should be able to book online soon following the airline’s switch to the Sabre Global Distribution System (GDS), the Financial Times (UK) reported.

The Russian carrier is also expected to move swiftly towards e-ticketing.

Murray Smyth, vice-president of Sabre Airline Solutions for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, told the Times he expects online booking to be offered by the end of this year.

More than 5,000 Russian travel agents have installed links with the GDS as a result of the move, providing access to reservations with hundreds of other airlines, plus hotel companies and car rental operators.

Smyth told the Times that technology provided by Sabre will also allow Aeroflot passengers to check in remotely using mobile phone SMS, and to get travel updates the same way.