The deal is expected to reduce the cost and risk associated with international payment acceptance, maximising global customer reach and help help Ethiopian Airlines to show prices in their customers’ local currency, enhancing sales conversions. According to Nega Mekonnen, CFO Ethiopian Airlines, “It will allow us to offer our customers a wider range of payment options to suit their preferences.” The airline commands the lion share of the pan-African passenger and cargo network operating the youngest and most modern fleet to more than 81 international destinations across five continents with its fleet of Boeing 787, Boeing 777-300ER, Boeing 777-200LR, Boeing 777-200LR Freighter and a double cabin Bombardier Q-400. The partnership is part of Ethiopian Airlines 15-year strategic plan, Vision 2025 to offer passengers international standard product with five star service delivery. This year, Ethiopian Airlines was named Africa’s Best Business Class Airline, the Bombardier Airline Reliability Performance Award, SKYTRAX World Airline Award for Best Airline Staff Service in Africa for its outstanding customer service, and in 2013 APEX Passengers’ Choice Best Airline in Africa. The Worldpay system is a unification of seven leading retail payment solutions and will help the firm’s acquiring, gateway, alternative payments, risk management, and mobile payments. Mike Parkinson, VP Airlines at Worldpay said “The payments landscape can be complex, and it is important for airlines to establish a payment infrastructure that delivers a commercial advantage. Worldpay’s expertise is an important factor in helping an innovative and expansionist carrier such as Ethiopian Airlines to meet its goals.”
