SINGAPORE: Airline passengers in Singapore can now purchase tickets for Jetstar flights via their mobile phones.

The budget carrier is the first airline based in Singapore to offer such a mobile service.

The move comes as airlines across the region look to ramp up Internet sales amid the sharp decline in travel demand caused by the global economic slowdown and the H1N1 flu outbreak.

Malaysian-based low cost carrier AirAsia also offers such a service.

Meanwhile, the Singapore flag carrier Singapore Airlines said plans are in the pipeline to allow passengers to purchase tickets via their mobile phones.

Currently, SIA passengers can check in and retrieve their boarding passes through their mobile devices. - CNA/vm