Ethiopian launches mobile payment with Commercial Bank of Ethiopia

Ethiopian Airlines, the largest in Africa, is pleased to announce the commencement of mobile payment for online ticket purchase in Ethiopia. The option was made possible with the cooperation of the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) and Flocash, an integration system provider.

Ethiopian has already implemented, since last year, the mobile payment option in some African markets enabling its online customers to book and pay with their local card. This service will now be available in Ethiopia with customers from Ethiopia able to book their trip, pay and receive payment confirmation with associated passenger record locater with a single connection.

Advantages of the new one-click service include saving time and money through various discount offers. The new Mobile payment option is user friendly. After selecting their flights at www.ethiopianairlines.com, passengers may choose the CBE Mobile at the payment page. To make payment, they will simply need to use their CBE enabled mobile app to authorize and confirm payment. Ethiopian ticket itinerary will be sent to the customer after a successful payment is made. The service is powered by FloCash – the leading payment provider in Africa.

Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines Group, Tewolde Gebremariam, said: “This Mobile payment service given in coordination with the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia heralds a new era of e-commerce and mobile payments in the country by allowing our customers to use local payment options for online ticket purchase. It is part of our grandiose plan called “Mobility”, which aims to use mobile digital channels for enhancing our customers’ experience. In November, we started Mobile SMS information system with access to real-time and personalized information regarding flight information and cargo. Now, we are taking it a step further by availing mobile payment option for on-line purchase in Ethiopia. As a customer service organization, we will continuously work hard to avail to our customers the best possible travel experience both on the ground and on-board.”

Currently, customers in countries like Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, Ghana, Cameron, Brazil, and Ethiopia are able to complete their payment using local payment option online, and by the end of this year Senegal, Zambia and Rwanda will also be enabled.