PAL, Smart sign landmark partnership deal for mobile app and e-payments
Philippine Airlines and Smart Communications will jointly develop an app which will allow PAL passengers to conveniently book and pay for their flights using their mobile devices such smartphones and tablets.
The new app will facilitate access to PAL’s online booking system and the integration of ‘MePay’ as its core payment gateway, making it much easier for PAL passengers to pay for their tickets, track flight status and check-in online.
MePay is the groundbreaking payment gateway developed by Smart e-Money, Inc. (SMI), a subsidiary of Smart.
This tie-up will also allow the 70 million Smart, Talk ‘N Text and Sun Cellular subscribers to access the upcoming PAL mobile app and mobile website without any data charges.
“With smartphone adoption increasing around the country, it is but natural for PAL to extend their perks and services for flyers to their mobile phones,” said Smart President and CEO Napoleon L. Nazareno. “This partnership is part of our commitment to allow our subscribers to ‘live more’ by also making it convenient for them to travel more, wherever they may please.”
PAL General Manager Jaime J. Bautista said, “This new service is the flag carrier’s latest initiative aimed at enhancing the total customer experience when booking and paying for a flight via mobile devices. It is one of PAL’s innovations in line with its commitment to keep in step with advancements in technology for the benefit of passengers.”
The new payment facility further expands the menu of ticket payment options for PAL passengers. MePay is a revolutionary payments platform that will allow PAL to accept payment from all types methods, including credit card, debit card, Smart Money, ATM and offline payments, among others.
MePay also leverages on SMI’s expansive network of more than 10,000 Smart Padala centers nationwide, which means customers can pay through sari-sari stores, convenience stores and outlets that are part of the Smart Padala network.
This innovation will augment PAL’s existing payment channels such as the PAL Internet Booking Engine, authorized payment partners, PAL ticketing offices and partner travel agencies.
The PAL web app will be unveiled in the coming months, while the mobile app for iOS, Android, and Windows phones will be released early next year.
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