Etihad Airways has become the first airline in the region to offer fully automated credit card instalment payment plans after partnering with PayFort, an online payment service provider.

The initiative allows Etihad Airways to offer consumers who book directly via Etihad.com instalments ranging from three to 60 months. Seventeen of the region's leading banks are taking part in the programme.

Etihad Airways vice-president Digital Strategy and Innovation Justin Warby, said: "Etihad is committed to continually enhancing the travel experience by providing greater choice and flexibility to our guests while ensuring we make it as easy and secure as possible to transact through our direct channels, including Etihad.com."

"By partnering with PayFort we're able to offer fully automated, best in class technology solutions provided by the industry leaders. We're taking a global outlook and bringing best practice to the region."

With over 20 payment methods available on its website, Etihad Airways offers diverse payment solutions to meet both global and local needs.

Warby said this initiative was designed to assist low to medium income travellers and families by empowering them with the ability to book travel without the burden of having to pay for it up front.

"This is perhaps an example of the most intuitive use of technology we can provide as an airline. At a broader sense we're building technology and innovation into all areas of our business as an enabler for better product and service delivery, business efficiencies and customer service."

Source: Khaleej Times