Hands In, a UK-based split payment solutions provider, and UATP, the global network designed to simplify payments for complex industries, have entered into a new strategic partnership.
The collaboration allows airlines to activate Hands In’s proprietary split payments API directly within their existing infrastructure. This activation enables travellers to combine multiple cards, payers, and payment methods for a single transaction.
The partnership specifically leverages UATP’s Ceptor platform, merging the network’s established position in aviation payments infrastructure with Hands In’s rapidly adopted split payment functionality.
Modernising the checkout experience
According to the firms, this new capability will help airlines modernise their checkout processes without disrupting their current payment architecture. Across the travel sector and other high-value commerce industries, the ability to split payments helps merchants recover transactions that would otherwise be lost due to insufficient funds or strict card limits. Furthermore, it actively enables larger purchases and shared group bookings.
Through this partnership, airlines globally will be able to offer travellers the ability to split the cost of flights and ancillary services directly at checkout. Crucially, airlines will not need to undertake complex internal development to build this functionality themselves.
Industry perspectives on flexible payments
Samuel Flynn, CEO of Hands In, emphasized the operational benefits for airlines.
“Airlines do not want another complex integration. They want functionality that works within their existing infrastructure. By embedding directly into UATP’s Ceptor, Hands In is making split payments that combine multiple cards, payers, and methods accessible at a global scale, not only from an enablement perspective but also reconciliation, which is the major challenge for airlines accepting split payments today.”
Ralph Kaiser, President and CEO of UATP, highlighted the network’s commitment to innovation.
“UATP continues to lead in payments innovation. Integrating Hands In into the Ceptor platform allows us to offer airlines enhanced flexibility to travellers at checkout while preserving the integrity and reliability of our Network.”
As consumer demand for flexible payment options continues to rise—particularly for higher-value travel purchases—the collaboration empowers airlines to increase both conversion and approval rates. The firms note that the functionality will also help grow ancillary revenue and improve overall customer satisfaction.
While passengers benefit from greater financial flexibility and transparency, airlines are able to maintain full control over the customer experience within their own branded, closed-loop environment.
Founded in 2022, Hands In specializes in enabling merchants to unlock incremental revenue by adding new sales at checkout and recovering payment declines. UATP, meanwhile, operates one of the largest global and most secure closed-loop networks, serving as an accepted form of payment for corporate business travel worldwide by major airlines and travel agencies.
