AirPlus International's issuing volume in 2012 increased by
10 percent year over year to €11.4
billion, the company announced this week.
Although AirPlus reported that companies worldwide took 1.7 percent
fewer trips in 2012 compared with 2011, they spent 2.9 percent more on
business-related flights. Average fares paid by AirPlus customers increased by
1.6 percent to $581 in the United States and by 1.7 percent to €552
worldwide.
"The spend is increasing per transaction," said AirPlus
president of the Americas, Asia/Pacific and global sales Volker Huber. "That
indicates longer trips and less capacity."
AirPlus also reported that its customer base increased by 5
percent to more than 40,000 customers worldwide. While its top four markets are
in Europe, two of its fastest-growing ones are China and the United States.
Revenues in 2012 were €288 million, flat compared with 2011, impacted by a
restructuring of AirPlus Austria that involved the loss of a bank shareholder,
Huber explained.