AirPlus will officially exit the Chinese market – along with several others in Asia Pacific and Latin America – on June 30, 2025, according to a public announcement from the company. The departure of this long-standing travel payment provider is a major shake-up for multinational corporations that rely on AirPlus for their business travel payment needs in China.
For years, AirPlus has supported global companies with Universal Air Travel Plan (UATP) cards, simplifying air travel payments and expense tracking while offering extended credit terms. Its departure puts immediate pressure on Chinese customers to transition to a new provider – a task that requires both speed and strategic thinking.
Adding urgency to the situation, AirPlus has notified clients that all refunds – even for tickets issued on the final day – must be processed by June 30, 2025.
Immediate priorities for corporate travel teams
Travel managers and finance teams must now quickly assess alternatives that can integrate with their existing systems and maintain operational continuity. From payment terms and service quality to compatibility with global expense tools like Concur, there’s much to consider.
While AirPlus has not committed to offering transition support, the company has named three potential replacement providers in China:
- Antu Jinxin
- Billink
- China Merchants Bank (CMB)
Each comes with advantages and challenges – and no one-size-fits-all answer. Below, we look at these and other emerging solutions to help businesses make informed decisions.
Antu: Backed by major airlines and financial strength
Antu Jinxin is a strong contender, thanks to its close partnerships with Air China and China Eastern Airlines, and a solid financial foundation. Antu issues UATP cards for both airlines and is a subsidiary of TravelSky, the sole GDS provider for airline ticketing in China – an advantage when it comes to technology integration and long-term stability.
- Financial backing: CNY 1 billion in capital and a CNY 1.5 billion loan from major banks
- Client volume: Estimated CNY 5 billion in 2024
- Flexibility: Offers UATP cards for two of China’s biggest carriers, which could help mitigate risks if airline acceptance policies change
Companies with significant travel volume on Air China or China Eastern may benefit from favorable rates and services through Antu.
Billink: New player, familiar faces
Billink is a startup with a team that includes former AirPlus employees, bringing experience and insight into legacy customer needs. Their collaboration with China Eastern Airlines adds to their credibility, but there are important caveats:
- Market presence: Limited; no confirmed UATP clients yet
- Operational risks: As a startup, their scalability, support capacity, and system reliability remain untested
- Hotel payments: Some traction here, but not yet a core player in UATP air payment
While Billink’s experience may appeal to former AirPlus clients, its small scale could be a risk for high-volume programs needing immediate reliability.
Mastercard: Broad expense coverage, limited air payment utility
Mastercard is a well-established global solution and can be a good fit for companies issuing cards to employees directly. It streamlines travel expenses, eliminates out-of-pocket spending, and simplifies reporting.
However, there’s a major limitation in China: GDS systems do not accept credit cards for airfare payments. UATP or BSP/ARC accounts are still the only accepted methods in this channel. This means:
- Airfare limitations: Mastercard can’t be used in the GDS for airline tickets
- Strengths: High acceptance for hotels, ground transport, and other expenses; central payment option available
For organizations with broader expense needs outside air travel, Mastercard may serve as part of a hybrid solution.
American Express: Early stages of expansion in China
American Express recently received its payment license in China and is beginning to roll out centralized expense solutions for corporates. While best known in China for personal and co-branded cards, the company is developing a new corporate payment product with features like:
- Expense reporting by department or project
- Corporate-level spending limits
It’s still unclear how closely this new solution will resemble Amex’s mature BTA product used in other markets.
State-owned banks: Options with global network reach
China’s major banks – ICBC, CCB, and CMB – are key local issuers for Mastercard, Visa, and Amex in China. They offer a range of corporate card products and may be suitable for some companies, depending on:
- Existing banking relationships
- Customization and credit terms
- Integration with expense and travel tools
CMB, specifically, is among AirPlus’s recommended options.
Watchouts: Key challenges to address now
1. Integration with Concur Expense
AirPlus currently enables automated flight data transfer to Concur Expense – a critical efficiency for many companies. With their exit, this integration may break, forcing a return to manual expense entry unless a new provider offers similar functionality.
2. Airline acceptance limits
Currently, 54 airlines in China do not accept UATP, including major players like China Southern Airlines, Hainan Airlines, and Xiamen Airlines. If additional carriers stop accepting UATP cards from new issuers, it could disrupt your travel program.
Antu’s dual partnerships with Air China and China Eastern may help diversify risk if policies continue to shift.
3. China Eastern’s internal complexity
China Eastern currently works with two separate legal entities to issue UATP cards – a structure that could cause confusion in provider selection and implementation. These are:
- China Eastern Air Holding Company
- China Eastern Commercial Factoring Company Limited
This may change post-AirPlus exit, but for now, it’s another layer of due diligence for buyers.
Positioning for success
As the corporate travel landscape in China evolves, partnering with a trusted TMC like BCD Travel can help you navigate complexities and make the best decision for your business.
