LONDON, UK, 21 May 2012 – Global payment services provider, DataCash, has further added to its impressive portfolio of international airline customers with the addition of European Low Cost Carrier, Volotea (www.volotea.com), in a project that spanned only six weeks from first contact to official launch.

Volotea, a European airline specialising in connecting small and mid-sized European cities with non-stop direct flights at competitive prices, has brought DataCash on board to manage its international payment processing which will allow customers from any geographical location to book flights to any of Volotea’s 52 European destinations.

The project is believed to be one of the fastest deployments in DataCash history, taking only six weeks from initial consultation until the service went live just six weeks later. DataCash has deployed its comprehensive Global Payments Gateway which will, initially, provide Volotea with multi-currency bank card processing and online transaction security technology, 3-D Secure, with more services to follow.

One of the key benefits for airlines inherent in DataCash’s payment processing is its integration with Navitaire’s New Skies reservations system which now powers the majority of the world's largest low-cost carriers. Volotea, and DataCash’s other airline customers benefit significantly from this Airline Reservation System, amongst others, which help save them time and money and provides customers with an efficient and consistent experience.

Javier Pujol, Volotea’s Chief Financial Officer, said: “As one of the most experienced payments providers in the airline sector, DataCash was a natural choice for Volotea. DataCash’s payment system gives us a framework on which to build as the airline grows.”

DataCash services more global airlines than any other payment provider; its list of customers include Qatar Airlines – recently awarded World’s Best Airline at the 2011 World Airline Awards – Vueling, GermanWings and Flybe. DataCash’s Global Payments Solutions incorporates EuroCommerce expertise and technology acquired in 2007, which has made it the most comprehensive service currently available to the airline industry. Furthermore, now a MasterCard company, DataCash is able to invest heavily in research and innovation alongside one of the world’s leading financial organisations.

Ajay Bhalla president at DataCash said: “The most successful airlines are those that have actively capitalised on the opportunities for expansion presented by increased online sales in international markets, the introduction of ancillary service charges and the rise of innovative payment technologies. Volotea is a good example of an innovative and entrepreneurial airline that is using technology to offer the best service whilst achieving healthy revenues.”

About DataCash

Founded in 1996, DataCash Group Ltd (part of MasterCard Incorporated) provides multi-channel global payment processing services and advanced fraud prevention and risk management solutions to merchants and banks. As a global partner to some of the world’s most recognisable brands in the gaming, travel, retail and finance sectors, DataCash combines smart thinking and an end-to-end solution to help its customers transcend the complexities and expense associated with payment processing. Advanced technology from DataCash enables customers to accept and process payments in over 177 currencies, from over 45 brands across e-commerce, m-commerce channels and cardholder present channels – with the security and confidence of tools tailored to meet exacting and expanding business needs. DataCash customers protect their brand and reputation, enhance end-user experience and capitalize on new global market opportunities.

About Volotea

Volotea is the new European low-cost carrier that concentrates in serving European mid-sized cities, connecting them directly and bypassing big hubs. This provides economic benefits for the cities connected directly, as traffic is heavily stimulated thanks to the ease and efficiency of direct flights. 

The Barcelona-headquartered company will base nine 125-seat, Boeing 717 in three different operating bases: four in Venice’s Marco Polo airport, three in Nantes, and a further two in Ibiza. From each airport it will serve a wide domestic and international network of destinations.

Volotea has been founded by Carlos Muñoz and Lázaro Ros, previously also co-founders of Vueling Airlines (today one of Europe’s largest low-cost carriers). They respectively hold the positions of CEO and General Manager.