AirPlus Expands into North American Market with Washington DC Regional Headquarters; Significant International Growth Continues

Business Wire, July 30, 2004

WASHINGTON -- AirPlus International, a leading global supplier of corporate travel payment solutions, announces the opening of its regional headquarters in Washington, DC. The North America regional headquarters is the eighth international office recently established, signifying continuous international growth for Frankfurt-based AirPlus International. AirPlus International has regional headquarters in Hong Kong, London, Madrid, Milan, Paris, Vienna and Zurich.

"The opening of the Washington, DC Headquarters shows AirPlus's dedication to product expansion and customer service in the North American market," said AirPlus International President and CEO, Richard Crum. "With a dedicated staff based in the U.S., AirPlus has the capability to offer unparalleled support to its North American customers."

Since its successful product launch in the North American market in July 2002, AirPlus has experienced significant growth, securing numerous U.S. customers and developing innovative partnerships, including one with Continental Airlines - the fifth largest airline in the U.S. The Continental Airlines AirPlus Company Account allows corporate customers to collect detailed travel information and it provides travel agencies with an easier method for processing service fees and additional charges.

Also recently introduced to the North American market is the AirPlus Corporate Card, which provides corporations with a complete global travel payment solution by combing its UATP-based AirPlus Company Account, a highly sophisticated airfare purchasing product with a corporate MasterCard. The new corporate card makes it possible for companies to manage all corporate travel purchasing through a single provider worldwide.

AirPlus International is the European market leader in corporate travel payment systems and management information reporting solutions. AirPlus is the preferred payment partner of Continental Airlines (NYSE:CAL), British Airways (NYSE:BAB), Lufthansa German Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines and TAP Air Portugal.