UATP, the low cost travel payment network privately owned by the world's airlines, has been looking for alternative payment solutions to provide the global airline industry with access to the lucrative cash market.

Its deal with Ukash will open up air travel to a huge proportion of the world's population that are currently 'unbanked' or without credit or debit cards, as well as those that choose not to make purchases over the internet due to fears of online fraud and identity theft.

UATP, which works with over 250 airlines, is diversifying its product offering as it looks to attract new consumers and maintain demand for air travel in the difficult current economic climate.

Ukash customers exchange cash for a prepaid voucher containing a unique 19-digit number which is then used to pay online. As an online payment method, Ukash provides those without access to bank accounts with a viable, safe solution for spending their money over the Internet and offers a solution to the problem of credit card fraud.

The secure Ukash voucher number is used to pay online, and as it's prepaid the payment is assured to the merchant. No financial details are exchanged with the merchant, making Ukash increasingly attractive to online consumers concerned about data security.

"Working with UATP to offer Ukash to airlines around the world will bring considerable benefits. Carriers now have the option to accept risk-free payments from consumers in countries with low card penetration whilst reassuring their customers that online payments are safe," adds Ukash CEO Mark Chirnside.

"The growth of low cost carriers is putting air travel within reach of many more people so we're delighted to add Ukash to the range of payment methods we can offer our airline partners," comments Ralph Kaiser, CEO of UATP. "We want to remove the barriers to travellers getting online access to the best range of flights and other travel services so adding payment services like Ukash that are prepaid and preserve financial anonymity is a great move forward."

Consumers from across the world can purchase Ukash vouchers online, on mobile or at more than 275,000 stores globally.

About Ukash(TM)

Ukash(TM) is a globally-recognised e-commerce payment method to enable online purchases using cash, providing freedom from credit and debit card fraud, repudiations and charge-backs, and protecting personal identity.

Ukash(TM) is regulated by the UK Financial Services Authority (FSA) and operates as one of the only a small number of Electronic Money Institutions, a status that allows a single maximum online cash payment transaction of up to 500 Sterling pounds/750 euros.

Uniquely numbered Ukash(TM) vouchers are widely available through payment terminals in retail outlets across Europe and South Africa. In the UK, they are also available direct to mobile for Vodafone subscribers and from spring 2009, Ukash vouchers will also be issued online from the company's website in most European territories.

The technology behind Ukash is protected by several patents registered across the Smart Voucher database and functionality and is, as such, protected by Patent Law in all the major economies of the world. Ukash(TM) is a registered trademark of Smart Voucher Ltd.

In 2008, Ukash(TM) established a strategic partnership with South African payments giant Blue Label Telecoms to develop the brand's services.

For more information please visit http://www.ukash.com