Sabre and Worldpay’s new payment tech helps airlines increase revenue in new markets

A global payment solution aimed at helping airlines generate new revenue opportunities as they expand into new markets has been developed.

A global payment solution aimed at helping airlines generate new revenue opportunities as they expand into new markets has been developed.

Carriers will also be able to identify buying trends more easily through a single customer view, enabling them to better tailor their services to user needs and grow loyalty.

The single solution for processing and payments has been created by Sabre and payment specialist Worldpay.

The integrated payment scheme supports major card types. It accepts local payment types across multiple regions, including the US, Europe, Latin America and Asia Pacific.

In addition reporting, chargeback and fraud management tools are available to deliver stricter controls, reducing lost revenues.

China Union Pay (CUP), one of the largest payment schemes in the world, is the first local payment type to be offered via the integrated platform.

Ethiopian Airlines has signed on to offer CUP via the Worldpay and Sabre solution, giving the airline the opportunity to optimise revenue in multiple markets.

Vinit Doshi, senior vice president of SabreSonic customer sales and service, said: “Collaborating with Worldpay on a combined solution means we can offer our global customers, and their customers, more choice when it comes to using different payment methods where credit card use is lower.

“Airlines with global expansion plans will also benefit from an agile solution that’s designed to deliver a seamless experience across different buying channels.”

Kevin Dallas, chief product and marketing officer at Worldpay, added: “Historically airlines have long struggled with connecting critical business operations to global payments which can offer customers the choice they crave and airlines the insights into customer purchasing trends they find so valuable.

“Our new offering with Sabre gives airlines the single customer view they need, no matter the customer’s location, payment type or method.”

Abdulhakim Meftuh, e-commerce manager at Ethiopian Airlines, said: “The CUP payment option gives passengers more ways to pay and can help boost online sales in the Chinese market.

“This is a big milestone for us and we’ll continue to work with Worldpay and Sabre to fine-tune the payment experience for our passengers.”