Wirecard, the global innovation leader in digital financial technology, has won ANA, a leading Asian airline and Japan's largest carrier with 54 million passengers annually, as a new client for digitalized payment processes. The new cash-free solution will allow ANA passengers in selected European airports to receive quick and convenient compensation for delayed or disrupted flights. Wirecard is providing ANA with a branded, digital card solution that can be loaded with the applicable amounts and distributed to passengers.

ANA operates 80 international routes and 118 domestic routes, and has a fleet of 260 aircraft. Based in Tokyo Narita and Haneda airports, ANA currently serves 22 countries worldwide. In the fast-growing business of air travel, customer service is key. Through its digital passenger compensation cards, Wirecard uses its expertise in digital payments to address a crucial need of air travelers.

The initial offer will include select European airports serviced by ANA, which is a Star Alliance member and partner of renowned European airlines. ANA has benefitted from the recent yearly increase in the number of international flight passengers, and from a strong business demand originating in Japan. For the fiscal year 2017, ANA reported a 15.6% increase in international passenger service revenue, amounting to a difference of EUR +625 million from the previous year.

"Serving our customers is our top priority, and when it comes to air travel, disruptions are unavoidable," said Masahiko Dan, SVP EMEA Marketing & Sales at ANA. "Therefore, we welcome this innovative solution by Wirecard which will allow us to compensate passengers in a quicker and more efficient way. In addition, passengers will benefit from the flexibility offered by the payout cards, which can be used at their discretion."

"The solution aligns perfectly with our endeavor to create a cash-free and digitalized environment globally," said Jörg Möller, EVP Sales Travel at Wirecard. "Thanks to our cutting-edge card management application we could smoothly configure the cards to meet ANA's specific needs. We are thrilled to offer our customizable solution to ANA, a leading and modern airline, and look forward to furthering our partnership."

The compensation cards are a convenient and innovative solution for both the airline and affected ANA passengers: the cards can be quickly loaded by airline staff, saving time and cutting administrative costs. Passengers, who in the past would have received cash or limited-use vouchers, will receive instead digital cards which can be used in ATMs, at the POS, and for online purchases.

The setup of the cards is powered by Wirecard's innovative proprietary application, in which features of the cards are customized for each customer. For example, the merchant can request that its cards be accepted at particular POS, that transaction fees should or should not be applied and can determine which countries they can be used in. Wirecard configures the cards appropriately so that the customer receives an individual tailor-made solution.