In a move to enhance digital payment accessibility, Dubai-based airline flydubai has teamed up with Network International to introduce mobile money payment options for customers in Kenya and Uganda.
The partnership will allow travelers to book flights and pay for services using Mpesa, Airtel Money, and MTN Mobile Money, marking a significant step in the airline’s efforts to cater to the increasing demand for digital transactions in East Africa.
With this integration, flydubai passengers can now make seamless payments via mobile money when booking flights directly through the airline’s website or mobile app.
The initiative is expected to improve convenience and financial inclusivity, particularly in markets where mobile money dominates over traditional banking methods.
Expansion Plans in Africa
Flydubai has been expanding its presence in Africa, launching operations in Entebbe, Uganda, in 2014 and in Mombasa, Kenya, in 2024.
The airline sees the introduction of mobile money as a key strategy to improve customer experience and boost engagement in the region.
The company has also indicated plans to roll out similar payment solutions in other African markets, including Tanzania.
Sudhir Sreedharan, Divisional Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations at flydubai, emphasized the airline’s commitment to innovation.
“Since launching our operations in East Africa, we have seen growing demand from these markets. This partnership with Network International underscores our commitment to investing in technologies that enhance accessibility and convenience for our customers,” he stated.
Boosting Digital Payments Across the Region
Network International, a leading digital payments provider in the Middle East and Africa, aims to strengthen localized payment solutions through this collaboration.
The company sees this partnership as a milestone in advancing digital financial inclusion in Africa.
“With East Africa leading in mobile money adoption, integrating these solutions into an international airline demonstrates the impact of strategic collaborations in advancing digital payments,” said Judy Waruiru, Regional Managing Director for East Africa Acquiring at Network International.
“This not only enhances customer experience but also sets a precedent for expanding digital solutions across the region.”
Network International serves over 50 countries, including 40 African markets, offering digital payment solutions to businesses and financial institutions.
Meanwhile, flydubai continues to grow its global network, operating flights to more than 130 destinations with a fleet of 88 Boeing 737 aircraft.
The integration of mobile money payments is expected to benefit thousands of travelers who prefer using mobile-based transactions, reinforcing flydubai’s commitment to bridging gaps in financial accessibility across its key markets.
