Mobile payment acceptance by airlines has increased to 25 percent

LONDON, UK: Airlines are focused on innovating their mobile payment offerings to capture anticipated revenue potential, according to the Alternative Payment and Distribution Landscape: Airlines and Alternatives - The Facts whitepaper, launched by WorldPay, a global leader in airline settlements and payments.

The whitepaper, based on a research study of 56 global airline carriers - from low cost to traditional - found that mobile payments (payments for transactions made on a mobile device) are now a key area of focus for airlines: 57 percent of airlines said mobile has the greatest potential to drive revenue over the next two years - equal to credit cards (57 percent). The acceptance of mobile payments has already grown to 25 percent in 2013, an increase from 10 percent in 2012.

Chris Chandler, VP - Financial Services, Emirates comments, "We currently accept payment through mobile devices through the mobile version of the website, and plan to accept all payment types on all devices in the future."

Mike Parkinson, VP Airlines, WorldPay, says: "Airlines have recognised the revenue opportunities of mobile, and are now focused on improving their mobile offering. Over the next two years we can expect to see significant developments in this space, with new innovations in the ways consumers purchase tickets and services via mobile devices from airlines. In the future, services offered via a mobile device will become inherent to the airline experience from booking to check-in."