UATP Continues Expansion in Latin America; Adds New UATP Merchant Aires

WASHINGTON, Nov. 3, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Aires, Colombia, is the latest airline in UATP's continued expansion throughout the Americas to become a new UATP Merchant. Effective immediately, Aires accepts all UATP cards and is a part of the UATP global payment network.

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"Corporate travel is growing rapidly in the Americas," said Francisco Mendez, President for Aires. "Accepting UATP is a request that we received and a strategic move to be able to fully service current and future corporate clients while continuing to grow our base."

Aires, a 100% Colombian company, is running a successful plan to expand and grow; a plan that allows the operation of routes from Colombia to the cities of New York and Fort Lauderdale, recently approved by the aeronautical authorities of the two countries.

"The Latin American market is in a growth phase and we are seeing large volume on UATP as a result," said Ralph Kaiser, president and CEO, UATP. "We look forward to seeing Aires grow its corporate client market share and its continued global expansion."

Aires currently offers its services to 23 destinations in Colombia and three internationally: New York, Fort Lauderdale and Panama; and, in the near future, from Bogota to Lima and Panama.

For more information, visit http://uatp.com or www.aires.aero

About UATP

UATP accounts are accepted as a form of payment for corporate business travel worldwide by airlines, travel agencies and Amtrak®. UATP accounts are issued by: Air New Zealand (ANZFF.PK), American Airlines (NYSE: AMR), Austrian Airlines (AUALF.PK), China Eastern Airlines, Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL), Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL), EL AL Israel Airlines Ltd; GOL Linhas aereas inteligentes S.A. (NYSE: GOL and Bovespa: GOLL4); Japan Airlines (JALSY.PK), Qantas Airways, Ltd. (QUBSF.PK), United Airlines (Nasdaq: UAUA), and US Airways (NYSE: LCC). AirPlus International issues the UATP-based Company Account for: British Airways (LSE: BAY.L), Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL), and Lufthansa German Airlines.

About Aires

Aires is a 100% Colombian airline that has been lending its services for 30 years. In covers 23 destinations both nationally and regionally throughout Colombia, and 3 international destinations.

Currently Aires has a fleet of 19 airplanes: 13 Dash 8 – 200 for 37 passengers, 9 Boeing 737 – 700 NG, with a capacity to carry 149 passengers and 4 Q400 for 78 passengers.