The New Generation World Duty Free store at Terminal 3.

China’s e-wallet payment solution WeChat Pay is to roll out at London Heathrow Airport.

Under a new partnership, World Duty Free (WDF) will embed a mobile POS application from payment service provider SafeCharge International Group at travel retail stores.

Merchants are able to generate a QR code or scan one on the buyer’s device using SafeCharge’s Point of Sale app, which connects to the firm’s payment engine.

TRANSACTION VOLUMES UP

Tony O’Donnell, UK Financial Controller, WDF said: “Since the initial rollout in Terminal 4 we have seen a steady increase in transaction volumes and are currently in the process of extending this capability across the other Heathrow terminals.

“SafeCharge has been instrumental in supporting our fast deployment with high level, quality support and we look forward to working closely with the team as we continue to expand across more locations and concessions.”

Singapore Changi Airport struck a deal with WeChat Pay earlier this year.

Quoting VisitBritain figures, SafeCharge says more than 330,000 Chinese travellers visited the UK last year and WeChat Pay’s platform can help to support those with high transaction values.

It adds that WeChat Pay offers other useful services such as effective online marketing, coupons and cash-back promotions and remains a ‘vital’ tool in offering customers an alternative payment solution that reflects the service and experience they expect.

David Avgi, CEO, SafeCharge said: “Our new SafeCharge Point of Sale App has been developed to help businesses serve an increasing number of customers who normally default to QR code-based payment methods, for a better shopping experience and increased revenues.”

The app is available on iOS and Android devices and can be downloaded via popular app stores.