Corporate Travel Industry Veterans Join AirPlus

Ecker and Kelling Bring Extensive Industry Knowledge to Nort American Sales Team

Colleen Ecker and Aaron Kelling, who both recently joined AirPlus International’s North American sales team, bring over 25 combined years of corporate travel sales experience to the North America AirPlus sales team. Ecker, based in San Francisco, will lead West coast sales activities, and Kelling, based in Philadelphia, will be responsible for corporate sales in the North East region. The appointments of Ecker and Kelling signify the corporate travel payment solution company’s continued growth in the US and dedication to brining bringing its’ sophisticated and highly flexible travel payment solutions to the market. The two are joining an experienced team that is actively working with corporations to develop tailor-made travel payment programs.

“Colleen and Aaron’s extensive sales experience and knowledge of the corporate travel industry, particularly in payment, GDS and agency environments, will enhance AirPlus’ ability to provide our customers with substantial cost savings through AirPlus’ travel payment solutions,” said Richard Crum, AirPlus International’s President and CEO. “AirPlus offers robust and customizable payment solutions that support the unique needs of each of our customers.” 

Ecker and Kelling both come to AirPlus from American Express.  Ecker led a team of 11 American Express sales people based throughout North America. Ecker’s experience at American Express spanned card, travel and meeting divisions, both in sales and account management.  She brings to AirPlus a well rounded knowledge of corporate payment systems and insight into the particular challenges corporate travel managers face today. Prior to American Express, she was a Director for the prestigious Ritz-Carlton chain, based at their San Francisco property.

Kelling managed two roles at American Express, acting as Director of Business development and as top producing regional sales manager in corporate meeting solutions. Prior to American Express, Kelling was Galileo International’s director of international strategic sales development, where he was also considered Galileo’s top “conversion” specialist. He was the leading revenue producer three years in a row, bringing in one third of the company’s US revenue goal, signing the largest conversion account for the company in seven years. During his time at Galileo, Kelling was featured in Forbes Magazine. For over 15 years, Kelling has played an active role in the corporate travel community

AirPlus International is a global leader in business travel payment solutions, offering central payment accounts, corporate cards and online management information tools. AirPlus is the preferred payment partner of Continental Airlines (NYSE:CAL), Northwest Airlines (NASDAQ: NWAC), British Airways (NYSE:BAB), Lufthansa German Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines, and TAP Portugal. AirPlus is the world’s largest issuer of UATP.