Online cash payment solution Ukash has signed an agreement with UATP which will make it possible for consumers to pay for flights over the Internet using cash, it was announced at the annual Airline Distribution conference today.
UATP, the low cost travel payment network privately owned by the world's airlines, has been looking for alternative payment solutions to provide the global airline industry with access to the lucrative cash market. Its deal with Ukash will open up air travel to a huge proportion of the world's population that are currently 'unbanked' or without credit or debit cards, as well as those that choose not to make purchases over the internet due to fears of online fraud and identity theft.
UATP, which works with over 250 airlines, is diversifying its product offering as it looks to attract new consumers and maintain demand for air travel in the difficult current economic climate.
Ukash customers exchange cash for a prepaid voucher containing a unique 19-digit number which is then used to pay online. As an online payment method, Ukash provides those without access to bank accounts with a viable, safe solution for spending their money over the Internet and offers a solution to the problem of credit card fraud.
The secure Ukash voucher number is used to pay online, and as it's prepaid the payment is assured to the merchant. No financial details are exchanged with the merchant, making Ukash increasingly attractive to online consumers concerned about data security.
"Working with UATP to offer Ukash to airlines around the world will bring considerable benefits. Carriers now have the option to accept risk-free payments from consumers in countries with low card penetration whilst reassuring their customers that online payments are safe", adds Ukash CEO Mark Chirnside.
"The growth of low cost carriers is putting air travel within reach of many more people so we're delighted to add Ukash to the range of payment methods we can offer our airline partners", comments Ralph Kaiser, CEO of UATP. "We want to remove the barriers to travellers getting online access to the best range of flights and other travel services so adding payment services like Ukash that are prepaid and preserve financial anonymity is a great move forward".
Consumers from across the world can purchase Ukash vouchers online, on mobile or at more than 275,000 stores globally.