NEW YORK — Starting this month Lufthansa Group will roll out Amadeus Airport Pay at check-in desks and ticket offices in over 170 airports, offering what it says are secure and seamless payment options for passengers choosing customized ancillary services for their flight while checking in or at the gate.

Amadeus says the new system is the first wireless payment solution in the industry which accepts chip card payments. The Amadeus Airport Pay devices are pocket-sized and support all wireless connectivity options.

“Payments in the airport have taken a big step forward towards convenience, security and flexibility with Amadeus Airport Pay,” said Celia Pereiro, head of Travel Payments at Amadeus. “Travellers will have the peace of mind that their payments are secured thanks to EMV technology. Airlines and ground handlers meanwhile can open the door to a much smoother trip – imagine roaming agents approaching you while queuing to offer the ancillary service you need – it’s a win-win for the airline and the traveller.”

There are now more than 5 billion chip cards in circulation globally. At airports, EMV terminals are ubiquitous in duty-free shops but still a rarity in airline check-in desks. Lufthansa Group is Amadeus’ launch partner for the introduction of Amadeus Airport Pay, which the technology provider says can be customized for any airline.