Etihad Airways has become the first airline in the region to offer fully automated credit card Installment payment plans after partnering with PayFort, the leading online payment service provider in the Arab world.   The initiative allows Etihad Airways to offer consumers who book directly via Etihad.com that range from three to 60 months. Seventeen of the region’s leading banks are taking part in the programme.   This is the latest enhancement in Etihad’s ongoing digital transformation, after establishing its Digital Transformation and Innovation team at the start of 2017.   Etihad Airways Vice President Digital Strategy and Innovation Justin Warby, said: “Etihad is committed to continually enhancing the travel experience by providing greater choice and flexibility to our guests while ensuring we make it as easy and secure as possible to transact through our direct channels, including Etihad.com.”   “By partnering with PayFort we’re able to offer fully automated, best in class technology solutions provided by the industry leaders. We’re taking a global outlook and bringing best practice to the region. ”   With over 20 payment methods available on its website, Etihad Airways offers diverse payment solutions to meet both global and local needs.   Warby said this initiative was designed to assist low to medium income travellers and families by empowering them with the ability to book travel without the burden of having to pay for it up front.   “This is perhaps an example of the most intuitive use of technology we can provide as an airline. At a broader sense we’re building technology and innovation into all areas of our   business as an enabler for better product and service delivery, business efficiencies and customer service.”   Etihad Airways created its specialised Digital Transformation & Innovation team as an in-house research, development solution delivery programme to lead the airline’s digital transformation. Its mission is to turn Etihad Airways into the industry’s leading, integrated airline capable of harnessing emerging technologies and capabilities, big data and innovation to create a product and service offering unique to the individual passenger.