An interest partnership is emerging between two companies from country’s that are economic rivals. United Airlines, the Chicago-based carrier, has announced a partnership with China's Ant Financial, to offer online payment service Alipay to its customers using the Chinese version of the United Airlines website. The partnership is likely to benefit both businesses significantly given the continued growth forecast for China's outbound travel market. Over 2.5 million Chinese visitors arrived in the US in 2015, a number expected to grow due to 2016 being designated "China-US Tourism Year", a programme launched by the US Department of Commerce. In addition to offering payments through Alipay, United's new website will also feature an integrated flight tracking system that allows users to track their flights and book them online.
United Airlines, the Chicago-based carrier, has announced a partnership with China's Ant Financial, to offer online payment service Alipay to its customers using the Chinese version of the United Airlines website. The partnership is likely to benefit both businesses significantly given the continued growth forecast for China's outbound travel market. Over 2.5 million Chinese visitors arrived in the US in 2015, a number expected to grow due to 2016 being designated "China-US Tourism Year", a programme launched by the US Department of Commerce. In addition to offering payments through Alipay, United's new website will also feature an integrated flight tracking system that allows users to track their flights and book them online.