Al Ansari Exchange, the UAE-based foreign exchange and worldwide money transfer company, said it has signed an agreement with SriLankan Airlines, the country's national carrier, to facilitate ticket payments.

As per the terms of the agreement, SriLankan Airlines customers will now be able to make payments through more than 170 UAE-wide Al Ansari Exchange branches. The service will be available during the second quarter of this year onwards.

Rashed Ali Al Ansari, the general manager of Al Ansari Exchange, said: "In line with our efforts to enter into corporate partnerships that add value to our clients, we have recently collaborated with the SriLankan Airlines."

"The deal will enable all customers of the airline to process their payments for tickets booked over the phone or via the airline’s website from any of the Al Ansari Exchange branches across the UAE. The extended convenience will also save time and effort for SriLankan passengers," he stated.

The signing follows the continuous growth enjoyed by SriLankan Airlines, which is attributed to its equally vibrant tourism industry - ably positioning Sri Lanka as a key tourist destination.

Aside from the Sri Lankan travelers, recent figures show that the national carrier has serviced more than 45,000 Indian passengers per year, followed by 36,000 Bangladeshis and around 15,000 British, European and Americans. SriLankan Airlines also ferry around 10,000 UAE nationals and 8,000 Indonesian and Filipino passengers per annum.  

"SriLankan Airlines is pleased to seal a partnership deal with a reputed foreign exchange service provider such as Al Ansari Exchange, allowing us to serve our customers in the UAE with enhanced convenience," remarked Siva Ramachandran, the chief commercial officer.

"We always strive to ensure a seamless and hassle-free travel experience for our passengers and we will continue to enter into strategic partnerships through which we can reach to a wider customer base across the world," he added.

SriLankan Airlines, the national carrier of Sri Lanka and a member of the ‘oneworld’ airline alliance, currently operates over 50 weekly flights to nine Middle Eastern destinations. It provides daily services from Abu Dhabi and Dubai to Colombo, rendering onward connectivity to the Indian Sub-Continent, South East Asia, and the Far East.

Desiree Premachandra, the manager (UAE) SriLankan Airlines, said: "With Al Ansari Exchange as a partner, we have taken another progressive step to make our services more reachable to our customers in the emirates."

"As the national carrier, while offering our passengers the trademark Sri Lankan warmth and hospitality, we will continue to explore new avenues that will enhance the passenger journey," she added.-TradeArabia News Service