Aer Lingus has launched Apple Pay as a new payment method for guests on the move through its mobile app.

Use of the Aer Lingus mobile app has taken off by 50 per cent in the last year alone as the airline’s guests take advantage of its convenient and secure payments in euro, sterling and US dollars.

Secure payments via Apple Pay can be made by using touch ID or through Apple’s new facial recognition software, available on the iPhone X.

Apple Pay has been made available thanks Aer Lingus’ new payments hub platform, working in partnership with its technology partner Voyego, the dedicated travel division of the Comtrade Group.

The imitative is part of the airlines continuing drive to innovate to improve the overall guest travel experience.

Dave O’Donovan, Aer Lingus director of digital and mobile technologies, said: “We are delighted to add the Apple Pay option on our mobile app, as it is another convenient and secure way to pay for your flights.

“As we add more and better functionality on our mobile app, more of our guests are choosing to browse and book flights in this way.

“We will continue to explore ways to add new functionality to give our customers the best possible experience.

“This latest innovation also comes shortly after the launch of our new AerCredit card, which in partnership with the Bank of Ireland, offers exclusively available to our guests.”

Aer Lingus offers onward transatlantic connections to 13 destinations throughout North America via Dublin where guests can pre-clear US customs, by departing from scores of airports across the UK, including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow, among many others.