SriLankan Airlines Leverages UATP Merchant Status to Accelerate Growth and Reduce Payment Costs

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The partnership with the flag carrier of Sri Lanka is emblematic of UATP's increasing presence in Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent

WASHINGTON, April 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- SriLankan Airlines, the national airline of Sri Lanka, has reaffirmed its Merchant status with UATP, the global payment network that enables organizations to simplify payment processes to expand their payment capabilities. As part of the UATP network, SriLankan Airlines can accept UATP payments in a variety of sales channels across multiple countries and currencies, ultimately helping the airline fuel its expansion and profitability goals.

UATP is a global payment solution owned and operated by the world's airlines and accepted by thousands of merchants for air, rail and travel agency payments. UATP connects airlines to Alternative Forms of Payment which can expand reach and generate incremental sales globally. UATP offers easy-to-use data tools, DataStream(SM) and DataMine(SM), which provide comprehensive account details to Issuers and Corporate Subscribers for accurate travel management. UATP is accepted as a form of payment for corporate business travel worldwide by airlines, travel agencies and Amtrak; UATP accounts are issued by: Aeromexico, APG Airlines, Air Canada, Air New Zealand, Air Niugini, American Airlines, Austrian Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Delta Air Lines, EL AL Israel Airlines, Etihad Airways, Frontier Airlines, GOL Linhas aereas inteligentes S.A., Hahn Air; Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas Airways, Shandong Airlines, Transavia Airlines, TUIfly GmbH, Turkish Airline, United Airlines, and WestJet. AirPlus International issues the UATP-based Company Account for: British Airways and Lufthansa German Airlines. (PRNewsFoto/Universal Air Travel Plan, Inc.)
UATP is a global payment solution owned and operated by the world's airlines and accepted by thousands of merchants for air, rail and travel agency payments. UATP connects airlines to Alternative Forms of Payment which can expand reach and generate incremental sales globally. UATP offers easy-to-use data tools, DataStream(SM) and DataMine(SM), which provide comprehensive account details to Issuers and Corporate Subscribers for accurate travel management. UATP is accepted as a form of payment for corporate business travel worldwide by airlines, travel agencies and Amtrak; UATP accounts are issued by: Aeromexico, APG Airlines, Air Canada, Air New Zealand, Air Niugini, American Airlines, Austrian Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Delta Air Lines, EL AL Israel Airlines, Etihad Airways, Frontier Airlines, GOL Linhas aereas inteligentes S.A., Hahn Air; Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas Airways, Shandong Airlines, Transavia Airlines, TUIfly GmbH, Turkish Airline, United Airlines, and WestJet. AirPlus International issues the UATP-based Company Account for: British Airways and Lufthansa German Airlines. (PRNewsFoto/Universal Air Travel Plan, Inc.)

As a UATP Merchant, SriLankan Airlines will be able to reduce its overall payment acceptance costs - and therefore its distribution costs as well as access sellers whose preferred payment method is UATP, including major travel agencies and corporate travel management companies. These are vital competitive advantages for a carrier operating in the fast-growing and crowded Southeast Asian marketplace.

UATP's regional growth strategy 
For UATP, already one of the most far-reaching and reputable global payment networks, working with SriLankan Airlines is an integral part of its growth plan, reinforcing its presence on the Indian subcontinent and opening new markets for the network. Strengthening its relationship with SriLankan Airlines is part of UATP's broader strategic plan to introduce its payment solutions to a more comprehensive selection of merchants in India and Southeast Asia.

"Being a part of the UATP network is vital to our operating strategy and a key driver of our regional growth," says Senior Manager Commercial Services & Support, SriLankan Airlines, Gayan Wickrama. "Our Merchant status helps us stay competitive by reducing our payment costs and expanding our sales capabilities, and we look forward to continuing our relationship with UATP as we grow."

As Sri Lanka's National Carrier, SriLankan Airlines serves a global route network of 113 destinations in 59 countries from its hub at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. Flying since 1979, SriLankan Airlines enjoys a reputation for service, comfort, safety and reliability. That reputation is supported by several industry awards, including being named Leading International Airline - South Asia at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) this year. It is the largest airline in Sri Lanka by number of aircraft and destinations.

"SriLankan Airlines is an ideal partner for UATP, and we are proud to help this award-winning airline reach more travelers in more markets and serve their payment needs better," says Zach Ornelas, SVP Commercial for UATP. "We anticipate continuing this long-term, mutually beneficial relationship for many years to come."