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Story URL: http://www.silicon.com/research/specialreports/travel/0,3800011481,39239078,00.htm

Business travellers demand more tech
Sky-fi and mobile payments top wishlist

By Nick Heath

Published: Monday 02 June 2008

Business travellers are crying out for airplane wi-fi and the ability to carry out mobile payments.

Just under half, 49 per cent, of the 3,000 jetsetters questioned by Barclaycard Business want airlines to provide wireless internet connections to allow them to maximise their time while flying.

Only 36 per cent of those questioned said technology had reduced the need for travel, with the overwhelming majority - 88 per cent of men and 75 per cent of women - feeling that technological alternatives such as video conferencing are less effective than face-to-face meetings.

Denise Leleux, director of commercial cards with Barclaycard Business, said as business travel continues to rise, so too does the need for technological advancements designed to save travellers' time and money.

She said in a statement: "The future growth of business travel is inextricably linked to the advancement of technology - be that technology to book travel, in-flight technology or payment technology."

There was an increase in the number of travellers checking in using their mobiles or online, up from 42 per cent in 2006 to 47 per cent last year, while use of traditional check-in by this group declined by 10 per cent.

The survey also found that 46 per cent wanted the ability to carry out credit and debit card transactions using their mobile phone.