Europe's Largest Regional Carrier Flybe Latest UATP Merchant

WASHINGTON, July 18 /PRNewswire/ -- UATP continues its strategic network expansion in Europe, adding UK-based Flybe, Europe's largest regional carrier as its newest Merchant effective immediately. To meet customer demands, Flybe chose UATP as a form of payment to continue its European market share expansion.

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"There is formidable competition within the European market; innovation and exceeding customer expectation drives success and enabled Flybe to become Europe's first choice for regional travel," says Stephen Hobday, Head of Sales, Flybe. "We focus on the needs of our clients; demand for UATP acceptance by our corporate clients convinced Flybe to become a UATP merchant. UATP's low-cost alternative fits strategically within Flybe's mission as a low fare carrier, with all the offerings a business traveler needs."

Flybe was transformed into its leading status by the aggressive and fierce competition in existence for low fare travel throughout Europe. Providing excellent quality and customer service while keeping costs low, keeps Flybe ahead of its competitors. UATP will enhance Flybe's strategic plan by helping lower distribution costs with low merchant service fees and a global network available to all corporate travelers.

"The UK and Europe continue to see increased growth and profitability; Flybe is smartly positioned to capture these opportunities," said President and CEO Ralph Kaiser, UATP. "As the regional leader, Flybe will be able to increase its market share in the corporate travel arena by accepting UATP; corporate subscribers will profit through Flybe's low-fare pricing and UATP's superior data management capabilities."

Following its recent acquisition of BA Connect, British Airways former regional carrier, Flybe is now Europe's largest regional airline offering 152 routes across 34 European destinations. Flybe also offers some of the most attractive business traveler perks amongst low fare carriers: Business Express. The program offers Flybe's Business Express ticket book, a discounted book of 20 or 40 single sector Economy Plus tickets for people who know where they are going and also need to save time. For the frequent traveler, a book of 20; for flexibility from local airports, the 40 multi route package enables companies to share tickets and use across the organization; sensible prices with the necessary flexibility.

For more information, visit http://www.uatp.com or http://www.flybe.com

About UATP

UATP accounts are accepted as a form of payment for corporate business travel by airlines and travel agencies worldwide. UATP accounts are issued by: Aer Lingus, Air New Zealand, American Airlines (NYSE: AMR), Austrian Airlines, Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL), Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL), Japan Airlines (NasdaqOTC: JALSY), Qantas Airways, Ltd., United Airlines (Nasdaq: UAUA), and US Airways (NYSE: LCC). AirPlus International issues the UATP-based Company Account for: British Airways (NYSE: BAIRY), Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL), and Lufthansa German Airlines.

    About Flybe
    -- Flybe is Europe's largest regional airline with 152 routes, operating
       from 22 UK and 34 European airports
    -- Flybe recently won 'Best Airline Website in the UK' at Wanderlust
       Magazine's 2007 Travel Awards and Flight International's 2007 Best
       Management team award
    -- Flybe is the largest scheduled airline at Birmingham, Exeter, Norwich,
       Southampton, the Channel Islands, and Belfast City
    -- Flybe is the UK's leading non-London-centric airline and earlier this
       year launched 11 new routes to destinations such as Frankfurt, Rennes,
       Paris, Isle of Man and Bergerac

    Press contact:
    Wendy L. Ward
    +1 202 626 4077
    wward@uatp.com