Emirates has partnered with African payments firm Cellulant to introduce a novel split-payment solution for travelers in Kenya. This feature, enabled by Cellulant's Tingg gateway, allows customers to use multiple payment methods or pay in installments. The initiative aims to make international air travel more accessible by providing greater financial flexibility to customers booking flights online.
Addressing a Key Market Challenge
Mobile money is the primary payment method for hundreds of millions across Africa, yet it presents a significant challenge for high-value purchases. Daily transaction limits often prevent customers from completing payments for items like international airline tickets. This frequently leads to abandoned bookings and creates a barrier to accessing global travel for many potential customers.
The new split-payment system directly confronts this issue by allowing customers to combine various payment sources, including mobile money, mobile banking, and cards. Travelers can make an initial payment and complete the balance with up to four additional installments within 24 hours. This innovative approach ensures customers can finalize their bookings without exceeding their daily transaction limits.
Enhancing Customer Flexibility and Accessibility
Christophe Leloup, Emirates’ Country Manager for Kenya, emphasized the airline's focus on improving the customer journey at every stage. He stated that introducing this flexible payment option through Cellulant unlocks greater convenience for their clientele. This move is part of Emirates' strategy to cater to the specific needs of one of its most dynamic markets.
Michael Muriuki, Cellulant’s Chief Product and Technology Officer, noted the essential need to adapt global travel payments to local preferences. He explained that Tingg empowers Emirates customers to complete high-value transactions seamlessly and without financial barriers. This partnership is crucial for extending the convenience of mobile money to the international travel sector.
Strategic Growth and Future Expansion
The launch of this payment solution is strategically timed with Emirates' expansion of services in the region. The airline is adding a third daily flight between Dubai and Nairobi starting March 1, 2026, in response to consistently strong demand. Pairing increased flight capacity with accessible payment options demonstrates a comprehensive approach to market growth.
While Kenya is the debut market for this innovative feature, the partnership has a broader continental vision. Emirates and Cellulant plan to roll out the split-payment capability to other African markets in the coming months. This expansion will extend the benefits of enhanced purchasing power to a wider base of travelers across the continent.
The collaboration between Emirates and Cellulant marks a significant step in bridging the gap between global travel services and local African payment ecosystems. By directly addressing the limitations of mobile money for high-value transactions, the partnership enhances customer convenience and accessibility. This strategic initiative is poised to unlock new growth opportunities and redefine the travel booking experience in Africa.