In a move to revolutionize mobile money payments, Network International, a leading enabler of digital commerce, has partnered with Dubai-based carrier Flydubai to introduce mobile money payments for customers in Kenya and Uganda. This partnership enables travelers to pay for bookings and airline-related services using popular mobile money services such as M-Pesa, Airtel Money, and MTN Mobile Money. Customers can access these payment options when booking flights directly with Flydubai online or through the Flydubai mobile app.
Enhanced Customer Experience and Security
The integration aims to provide passengers with a seamless, secure, and convenient payment experience, catering to the growing preference for digital payment solutions in East Africa.
Future Expansion Plans
After launching in Kenya and Uganda, Flydubai plans to introduce mobile money payments to more markets in Africa, including Tanzania, in the future.
During the unveiling of this product on Monday, Sudhir Sreedharan, Divisional Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations at Flydubai, emphasized the airline’s commitment to investing in innovative solutions and providing an enhanced travel experience for customers.
“We are pleased to have partnered up with Network International and reaffirm our longstanding commitment to investing in the latest technologies and innovative solutions,” Sudhir said.
“Since launching our operations to Entebbe in 2014 and Mombasa in 2024, we have seen growing demand from these markets, reinforcing the need for more accessible and seamless payment solutions for our customers. Through this partnership, we look forward to continuing to provide an enhanced travel experience for our customers, both on the ground and in the air,” he added.
Judy Waruiru, Regional Managing Director for East Africa Acquiring at Network, highlighted the significance of this partnership in advancing localized digital payments and bridging global travel with seamless payment solutions.
Speaking at the launch, Waruiru said; “This partnership marks a significant milestone in enhancing customer experience. With East Africa being a leader in mobile money adoption, integrating this payment option into an international airline underscores the power that strategic collaborations have in advancing localized digital payments.”
He noted that the objective is bridging global travel with familiar, seamless payment solutions, which not only improves the customer experience but also sets a precedent for expanding digital solutions across the region.
Network International provides technology-enabled payments solutions to merchants and financial institutions across the MEA region, serving 50 countries, including over 40 African markets. Flydubai operates a network of over 130 destinations in 55 countries, with a young and efficient fleet of 88 Boeing 737 aircraft.