Brazilian low-cost carrier GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes S.A. is partnering with CellPoint Digital to launch multiple digital and mobile payment methods, beginning with Apple Pay, Google Pay and Mercado Pago, with more payment options coming soon.
CellPoint Digital has fast-tracked the deployment of these payment methods to help GOL further improve passenger experience by offering a wide range of payment methods its customers use domestically and internationally.
“The success of our ongoing partnership with CellPoint Digital is attributable to their deep industry expertise and consultative approach,” said Joelmir Silvestre Baumgratz, Director of Treasury and Corporate Finance, GOL. “By offering a wide range of payment options powered by CellPoint Digital, we are reaffirming our commitment to customer service and our focus on digital capabilities, both of which strengthen our position as a leader in Latin American aviation.”
According to CellPoint Digital’s 2024 survey of airline payment professionals, 31% of airlines in the Latin America region are looking to invest in alternative payment methods (APMs), compared to the survey average of 22%. This is due in part to the popularity of APMs in the marketplace. For example, Mercado Pago, one of the payment methods GOL is activating, has over 50 million active users generating $50 billion in transaction volume.
Deploying new APMs is a priority initiative for many airlines like GOL that serve passengers in multiple markets that prefer alternatives to traditional credit cards. However, implementing them in all digital channels – website, mobile web, native mobile app – can be costly, IT resource-intensive and take many months, or longer, to implement. CellPoint Digital’s Payment Orchestration solution was built specifically to address this key airline challenge.
“Our partnership with GOL has been an important component of our growth strategy in Latin America, and we believe the airline has a bright future not only in Brazil but across the region,” said Kristian Gjerding, CEO, CellPoint Digital. “Introducing support for the payment methods passengers want, including Apple Pay, Google Pay and Mercado Pago, demonstrates GOL’s commitment to meeting the needs of the market.”
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