Continental Revives UATP Card Program

<B>Continental Revives UATP Card Program</B>

After leaving it virtually dormant for nearly eight years, Continental Airlines today will announce a revamped Universal Air Travel Plan corporate card--formerly the Air Travel Card--emphasizing detailed reporting capabilities and sharing of cost savings with corporate clients, officials said.

"This will give us more latitude for deeper discounts by saving on credit card fees," said June Bennett, Continental's vice president of sales. "The timing is right. We are looking to save money as distribution channels change."

Continental is targeting smaller and midsize companies, but sales executives are talking to "some big guys" as well.

Continental revealed the news last month as it described to BTN several initiatives in corporate sales (see story, page 1), including a new fast-track program for small and midsize accounts.

The refreshed UATP program comes with a new automated back-office system for reporting, including online access, and expanded travel insurance. Continental also is planning to offer payment via electronic funds transfer.

Dave Hilfman, vice president of multinational sales and revenue programs for Continental, said, "Only a few clients are using the old version of the UATP card."

"Among our 20-odd airlines, some like American and United are very active," said Richard Crum, managing director of UATP. "Other carriers weren't actively promoting it." Continental, he said, now is joining the former group.

"It's illustrative that things are changing for Continental, but this is not a situation unique to them," said Crum. "Air New Zealand is days away from issuing cards, and they too are saying they should do something more with UATP.