While it was reported in these pages previously in this thread after I tacked it on there I thought the topic deserved it's own thread since it had become a reality.

http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/a.../21/c3273.html

MONTREAL, Sept. 21 /CNW Telbec/ - Air Canada has introduced paperless
boarding passes for its customers who check in using their PDA (personal
digital assistant such as Blackberry or Treo) or cell phone. Air Canada's
mobile check-in service, available at www.mobile.aircanada.com, has been
enhanced to now offer customers the option of receiving an electronic boarding
pass in the form of SMS text messages that the customer simply shows to
airport security screening personnel and Air Canada gate agents, in lieu of a
paper boarding pass. Passengers with baggage to check proceed as usual to
baggage drop off points prior to security screening. Air Canada's new mobile
service is currently available for boarding domestic Canada flights and
departures to international (non-U.S.) destinations, including connecting
flights, from 60 airports across Canada served by Air Canada and Jazz.
"Introduction of the mobile boarding pass is a key element in Air
Canada's initiatives to use the most recent and secure mobile and 2-D barcode
technologies to simplify our customers' travel experience," said Lise Fournel,
Senior Vice President E-Commerce and CIO. "In addition to the simplification
of travel and business processes made possible by the replacement of paper
with electronic documents, we're particularly excited about the expanded
application of 2-D barcode technology that gives our employees better tools to
serve our customers more efficiently."
How it works: Using a mobile device, the customer logs on to
www.mobile.aircanada.com and enters the required information: last name, first
name, departure city and one of the following: Aeroplan number, credit card
number or booking reference. If the device supports 2-D barcode technology and
the travel itinerary qualifies for an electronic boarding pass, the customer
will be prompted to enter his mobile number to receive the boarding pass.
While 2-D barcode technology works on a majority of mobile devices, some older
phones or PDAs may not be compatible. If this is the case, it is still
possible to use Air Canada's mobile check-in and print a boarding pass at a
self-service kiosk or with an agent.