Thai Airways to work with Worldpay on global payments technology

Partnership will help manage complexities of cross-border payments and optimise online booking journey Continue reading →

Thailand national carrier Thai Airways has chosen technology specialist Worldpay as its international payments partner as it targets overseas growth.

The carrier said it needed a partner to help it manage the complexities of cross-border payments and optimise the online booking journey across both mobile and desktop.

Worldpay, a leader in card and alternative payments with global coverage, was selected for its international reach and unrivalled experience in the airline industry, the airline said.

Worldpay currently works with 88 of the world’s biggest airlines and has more than 25 years of experience in the sector.

Wiwat Piyawiroj, Thai executive vice president, commercial, said: “Tourism is booming in Thailand, with a 7.7% increase in domestic flights year-over-year for our service.

“Yet the market is also incredibly competitive, so it is vital to ensure we can best service our customers and their needs.

“Thanks to Worldpay, we will be able to offer a variety of payment methods that caters to the tastes of travellers all over the world, making it easier for them to book the holidays they want.

“As we grow, Worldpay will be a vital strategic payments partner and key to our continued success.”

Phil Pomford, general manager for Asia Pacific, global enterprise eCommerce at Worldpay, said:

“With global passenger numbers on track to double over the next 20 years, and Thailand forecast to enter the top 10 aviation markets by 2030, it is a hugely exciting time for THAI. We are delighted to support our partner as they continue to grow.

“Travellers are continuously evolving the ways in which they buy flights, and airlines must keep pace to match these shifting patterns. The airline industry has never been more competitive, and we look forward to helping THAI capitalise upon the opportunities ahead.”

Thai Airways said 28% of its consumers are using bank transfers as their preferred method for shopping online and the ability to offer local payment options will allow companies to make the most of Southeast Asia’s second largest economy.

T added global mCommerce penetration is set to rise from 38% in 2018 to 49% in 2022, putting mCommerce on track to overtake desktop sales by 2023.

Worldpay said it will support the airline in widening its breadth of payment methods and transaction currencies to appeal to the changing purchasing patterns of customers.

Thai will initially focus its payment optimisation efforts on its key markets Australia and Europe.

Worldpay will also help Thai on its commercial strategy through data analytics, which it said will provide “rich insight” into transaction approval rates and payment costs.

This data will enable the airline to expedite new sales strategies and optimise its payments infrastructure with cross-border operations.