DBS looks to make app all encompassing, adds travel facilities with SIA partnership

DBS Bank and Singapore Airlines (SIA) have partnered to enhance digital capabilities across various digital platforms, in a bid to enable a "seamless" banking and travel customer experience for travellers. Under the agreement, both companies will introduce flight booking and merchandising capabilities on DBS’ platforms, called the DBS-SIA Rewards Programme on KrisPay.By including PayNow as a payment mode, SIA looks to offer its passengers the "flexibility and convenience" to pay for their flights from their bank accounts using PayNow, and issue tickets once the payment is done. In the event that the trip is cancelled/amended, SIA can refund the outstanding amount back to the passenger’s bank account.This also includes the expansion of payment options for SIA customers using PayNow, via application program interfaces (API) technology. Facilitated by API technology, the collaboration will cover areas such as allowing KrisFlyer members to convert DBS points into KrisPay miles via the KrisPay app. Miles can subsequently be used for retail purchases at KrisPay partners island-wide. Alternatively, the KrisPay miles can be converted into KrisFlyer miles instantly within seven days of accrual.The partnership also comes in line with the airline's move to enhance digital capabilities company-wide, and DBS’ vision to make payments "simple and hassle-free" for customers through building integrated digital ecosystems. DBS customers will be able to book for flights on the soon-to-be launched DBS Travel Marketplace, which will allow purchase of flights, hotels and travel insurance on a single integrated platform.The initiatives will be gradually rolled out this year, beginning with the DBS Travel Marketplace, with the full suite of updates to be made available by end of 2019. Singapore Airlines executive vice president commercial, Mak Swee Wah said that the partnership will provide benefits to both companies.“We are excited to be teaming up with DBS, which has been twice globally recognised as the World’s Best Digital Bank. The partnership will provide great benefits to both our companies, given our shared aim to be a digital leader in our respective industries, with enhanced customer benefits through new flight booking, merchandising and reward programme ties,” Mak added.Shee Tse Koon, DBS Singapore country manager said that Singaporeans are among the "most well-travelled" in the world with over 10.3 million overseas trips made in 2018. Through this partnership, the bank aims to elevate the consumer travel experience by offering extensive travel and retail options for travellers to choose from and customise their journeys right at the start.“We are thrilled to partner Singapore Airlines, winner of multiple best airline awards, to create an inclusive digital travel ecosystem for our customers,” he said.