Flag carrier Philippines Airlines (PAL) has tapped travel technology firm Amadeus to improve its digital payment system.
In a statement, PAL said it has become the first carrier to deploy multi-currency pricing through Amadeus’ FX Box platform, which allows the airline to offer an improved customer experience while controlling the exchange rates used.
This is different from many foreign exchange services available today which are managed by the payments chain directly.
With the newly launched FX Box Platform, PAL offers are repriced in the passenger’s currency based on direct access to competitive exchange rates.
“By working with Amadeus we’ve made it easier for international travelers to book our flights in currencies they understand. Enhancing the traveler’s payment options with FX Box provides transparency and improves the experience of our travelers,” said Wilson Go, PAL chief information officer.
“Making travel simpler and easier through digital innovations is a key priority for PAL as we prepare to add more flights and welcome increased number of international travelers on our nonstop flights within Asia, to North America, UK, and the Middle East,” added Go.
“Displaying the offer in the traveler’s currency drastically improves the shopping experience and boosts conversion rates. Imagine a US citizen who’s traveled to Japan and then needs to book a flight to the Philippines. It’s hard for that US traveler to compare the airline’s offer and make a decision when it’s priced in Japanese Yen or Philippine Pesos,” said Bart Tompkins, managing director, payments at Amadeus.
Multi-currency pricing from Amadeus makes airline shopping easier by displaying the airfare in the travelers’ preferred currency when they book. The foreign exchange transaction is fully automated, and the airline receives payment in its currency of choice, eliminating back-office administration. – Myla Iglesias
