Booking an AirAsia Zest flight? Pay at Robinsons dept store

MANILA, Philippines – Low-cost carrier AirAsia Zest expanded its cash payment system by tapping the 40 branches of Robinsons Department Store nationwide.

AirAsia Zest, jointly owned by Philippines AirAsia and Zest Airways of former ambassador Alfredo Yao, announced a tie-up with Robinsons Inc. of tycoon John Gokongwei Jr.

“We are expanding our cash payment partner service to include Robinsons Department Store to provide optimum convenience for our guests and allow them access to our low fares and other exclusive online bargain deals without using their credit or debit cards,” AirAsia Zest commercial chief Gerard Peñaflor.

The partnership covers all AirAsia Zest flights between Manila and other domestic points, as well as international destinations in Malaysia, China and Korea.

Robinsons Department Store general manager Johnson Go said the partnership would benefit close to 120 million yearly shoppers of Robinsons who may opt to pay their airline tickets at their malls.

“AirAsia Zest supports our vision of providing Filipinos with affordable and world-class products and services, which makes them a great partner for us and will benefit our over 120 million annual store visitors. Both brands excel in offering the best value and utmost convenience for customers,” he added.

AirAsia Zest’s cash payment service involves 3 easy steps.

A passenger should book a flight through www.airasia.com and click the payment option button. Once booking is confirmed, the system will generate a reference number with total amount due to be presented to any Robinsons Department Store sales counter.

Flight must be at least 5 days from the time of booking and cash payment should be settled within 12 hours.

An e-ticket will automatically be sent to the passenger’s registered e-mail address after payment is made.

AirAsia Philippines and Zest Air entered into a strategic alliance agreement in March last year. In May, AirAsia Philippines completed the acquisition of an 85% economic interest and 49%voting rights in Zest Air as well as a 100% interest in Yao’s Asiawide Airways Inc. 

In exchange, Yao got $16 million as well as a 13% interest in AirAsia Philippines.

Zest Air is controlled by Yao while AirAsia Group owns AirAsia Philippines, along with Filipino shareholders Maan Hontiveros, Antonio “Tonyboy” Cojuangco Jr., and Michael Romero. – Rappler.com