UnionPay International (“UPI”) and Spring Airlines have announced a strategic collaboration, enabling the official Spring Airlines website to accept UnionPay cards for tourists and business travelers from Southeast Asia, Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong, SAR. This development comes just in time for the upcoming Spring Festival travel rush, ensuring that every passenger can enjoy safe, fast, and convenient payment services. The new service is set to officially launch on January 31, 2024.

This collaboration extends across multiple currencies, including Japanese yen, US dollars, Hong Kong dollars, Korean won, Thai baht, New Taiwan dollars, and Singapore dollars. UnionPay cardholders in 81 countries and regions, totaling over 230 million individuals, will now have a seamless experience conducting currency transactions on the Spring Airlines website, significantly enhancing access to the airline’s services.

Spring Airlines, recognized as China’s first low-cost airline exclusively operated by private capital, and the first low-cost airline established by a travel agency, operates a fleet of 116 Airbus A320 series aircraft. With destinations covering major business and tourism cities in China, Southeast, and Northeast Asia, the airline operates more than 210 routes, transporting 20 million passengers annually.

Mr. Jia Li, General Manager of Financial Payment for Spring Airlines, emphasized: “the positive impact of the current visa exemption policy between China and Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand on the inbound and outbound tourism industry. The search volume for Southeast Asia flights on Spring Airlines’ official website, ch.com, has surged by over 10% compared to the previous period. Through the collaboration with UnionPay International, Spring Airlines aims to offer domestic and international travelers more payment options, ensuring a safer and more efficient payment experience. The partnership reflects a commitment to exploring potential collaborations in various scenarios, facilitating convenient payment solutions for inbound and outbound travelers.”

UnionPay International has played a significant role in enhancing payment experiences for international travelers. With over 180 local wallets launched in 35 countries and regions, UnionPay’s comprehensive payment products cover card, QR code, contactless, and online payment, providing convenience in daily life and cross-border transactions. The company has established itself as a leading payment option for international travelers entering China and holds a prominent position in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the entire Southeast Asia region.

Customers of Spring Airlines can now leverage UnionPay’s extensive global network, ensuring a smoother and more authentic payment experience for international visitors. UnionPay International is committed to continuous innovation and cooperation, aiming to simplify, safeguard, and enhance the enjoyment of every trip for travelers worldwide.