Ethiopian Airlines launches Mobile SMS Communication

Ethiopian Airlines, the largest and most profitable airline in Africa, is pleased to announce the commencement of its Mobile Short Message Service (SMS) information system for easy access to flight information and cargo tracking for customers starting November 21, 2014.

The service will make it easier than ever for Ethiopian customers to check flight status and cargo shipment information by sending a mobile short code SMS text to 8611 messaging number. The new customer service will empower our valued customers to get instant information while they are on the road. This is part of a big project called “Mobility” which will enable customers to conduct full transaction with Ethiopian Airlines from online booking, ticket purchases, check in and seat selection and so on with their mobile phone.

The service will allow Ethiopian customer to check flight availability, departure/arrival time, flight status and cargo shipment tracking information instantly. Persons welcoming passengers on Ethiopian flights can now check the exact arrival time of expected flights with simply texting 8611 with “f” followed by the flight number or “r” followed by the route they are expecting. At the same time, cargo customers may track the whereabouts of their shipment by texting “c” followed by their Air Way Bill number of shipment without the need to come to Ethiopian Airlines Cargo terminal prior to the arrival of the shipment. Guideline for using the system can also be obtained by texting “i” or “help”.

Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines, Tewolde Gebremariam, said: “Ethiopian is first and foremost a customer service organization. We are continuously looking at ways and means of availing to our customers the best possible travel experience both on the ground and on- board. In today’s digital era, customers want to have access to real-time and personalized information at the tip of their fingers using mobile devices. The launching of this SMS service is only the beginning of a grandiose plan to use a new system called “Mobility” which is mobile digital channels for enhancing customer experience.”
Ethiopian is continuously working to improve customer experience with more features to be added to the mobile SMS service.

Ethiopian is a global Pan-African carrier currently serving 84 international destinations across 5 continents with over 200 daily flights using the latest technology aircraft such as the B777s and B787s. In August 2014, it was also a recipient of the Passenger Choice awards as the Best Airline in Africa in the most extensive survey of passengers in the industry .