Alipay’s domination in the mobile payments world is reaching new heights — 30,000 feet, to be exact.
Finnish airline Finnair today announced its decision to offer mobile payment service Alipay on flights between Helsinki and Shanghai. Alipay is one of the most popular digital payment methods in its home country of China, and is offered by Ant Financial, a financial services affiliate of the Alibaba Group.
According to the company’s announcement, Finnair plans to begin Alipay in-flight trials at the end of this week, on Jan. 27. Alipay will then be available for a month-long trial period, after which Finnair will make its decision on keeping or expanding the service.
From the announcement:
Alipay, the world´s largest online payment platform and global lifestyle application operated by Ant Financial Services Group, a related company of Alibaba Group, is at the forefront of the cashless world: it has over 450 million active users in China and is used by over 60 % of Chinese people traveling abroad. Helsinki Airport has adopted ePassi-Alipay for some selected shops and sales outlets, which has made payment more convenient for many people passing through.
Alipay’s 450 million users currently makes it the top mobile payment service around the globe. This is in comparison with its closet U.S competitor, PayPal, which claims 192 million.
While this partnership will benefit Finnair passengers, it is also a good step forward for Alibaba’s presence in markets outside of China; Alipay’s service is used for a wide variety of payment transactions whether online or in-store by Chinese consumers but gaining users outside of the homefront has been slow-going for Alibaba.
The company will offer the mobile payment service through ePassi, the top e-payment form in Finland. Flyers on Finnair who make use of the airline’s lounge at Helsinki will also be able to use Alipay for purchases of in-flight goods or a new seat.
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