Finnair has annouced that it will launch the Chinese online payment service Alipay for in-flight purchases.

The Finnish national airline will become the first airline to introduce Alipay to travellers, where they can use it to pay for their in-flight shopping and services. Finnair will start the trial run of Alipay on its Helsinki to Shanghai route on Jan. 27. 

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In order to commence the Alipay service, Finnair has partnered with Finland´s leading e-payment platform ePassi to make the Chinese online payment service an official payment method for the onboard flights connecting Shanghai and Helsinki. Alipay’s trial basis will run for a month and the future use will be unveiled after the trial period.

“The introduction of Alipay onboard is part of our commitment to continuously develop a better travel experience for our customers and to enhance the customer experience with digital solutions,” says Katri Harra-Salonen, Finnair's Chief Digital Officer.

Moreover, Alipay will be accepted Finnair lounge in the non-Schengen area at Helsinki Airport. Alipay users can now make payments inflight purchases such as tax free items or buy themselves an Economy Comfort seat via the app by scanning a QR code. 

Alipay has already over 450 million active users in China and 60 percent of Chinese travellers abroad are using this leading payment method. Helsinki Airport will use ePassi-Alipay for some selected shops and sales outlets, making it more convenient for many people passing through.

Finnair carries over 10 million passengers annually. It flies to 17 cities in Asia and more than 60 destinations in Europe. The state-controlled airlines will have Wi-Fi connectivity on board starting in the spring of 2017, bringing a great in-flight customer experience with enhanced shopping and entertainment opportunities.

TagsFinnair, Alipay, in-flight shopping, china, Finnish national airline, Helsinki, Shanghai