Airlines operating locally now have the opportunity to clear payments made by credit or debit cards directly through IATA’s electronic credit card billing scheme thanks to the cooperative efforts of the airline industry’s pre-eminent trade association and Bank of Valletta.

IATA’s credit card service provides a fast and cost-effective way for airlines operating in Malta to receive settlement for ticket sales made by credit and debit cards. Prior to the introduction of the new service payments were primarily processed manually. The

new system will also provide more streamlined procedures for travel agents. Bank

of Valletta will process the daily electronic files generated by IATA’s data processing centre.

A number of airlines have already started using the service.

The new system also provides an ideal platform for airlines to promote 100 per cent electronic ticketing, which is to be implemented globally by the end of 2007.