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

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.

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."

An unrivalled travel payment network
Participating as a Merchant in the UATP network enables airlines to accept UATP payments in a variety of sales channels, pay lower merchant service fees and connect to a variety of alternative forms of payment (AFPs). As a UATP Merchant, airlines like SriLankan Airlines can increase conversion rates and reduce transaction costs while minimizing risk and improving their ability to service corporate clients.