The partnership – originally piloted in Germany and the UK – allows AirPlus users to access the Enterprise Holdings’ network covering Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car.

The two firms said the popularity of the pilot scheme underlines how car rental has become integral to international business travel.

The extended network covers countries in Europe, North America and the Middle East, as well as Australia and New Zealand, with additional locations set to be added over the coming months.

By accepting AirPlus, customers with corporate car rental accounts will no longer need a personal or corporate credit card when renting a vehicle from Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental or Alamo Rent A Car.

Other benefits of AirPlus include improved reporting and a more streamlined and effective service that reduces the admin of employee expense management. It provides organisations with improved, fully itemised reporting on car rentals that is VAT-compliant and ensures consistent management reporting no matter where in the world their rentals take place, or where the customer lives.

Rob Ingram, director of business rental for Europe, Enterprise Holdings, said: “Demand for AirPlus beyond the traditional main markets for business travel underlines businesses’ reliance on vehicle rental for onward travel at their destination. The fact that car hire can now be easily booked almost anywhere, alongside booking a flight or a hotel room, means companies can make business travel more efficient. By accepting AirPlus, we’re streamlining the rental process for corporate travellers while also simplifying their travel expenses. It’s one more way for us to provide more value and convenience to our customers, wherever in the world they rent from us.”