Advantage Travel Centres has added Oasis Hong Kong Airlines to its Central Advantage Payment Scheme (CAPS).
It is the first airline to join the automated payment system and Advantage hopes it will encourage more suppliers to sign up.
Advantage chief executive John McEwan explained: “CAPS is great for both our members and travel suppliers because it is an inexpensive payment method and significantly reduces the administrative burden.
“Agents are often reluctant to book travel online because it means using their company charge cards, paying instantly and can lead to reconciliation issues. Advantage debit their members on a fortnightly basis and pay suppliers by BACS.”
CAPS launched five years ago and Advantage now has almost 40 major travel providers signed up.
The consortium says the transaction cost is just 18p per booking, lower than traditional distribution charges.
Oasis head of international distribution Lesley Hagan added: “Our aim is to make life easier for agents and this is one way we can do this.
“The ease of booking and the cost savings will give us a unique lead in the UK market.”
By Bev Fearis
