Jambojet clients to pay fares via mobile

A mobile phone alert received during a transaction. PHOTO | FILE |

What you need to know:

  • The airline is expected to launch operations on April 1 increasing competition in Kenya’s domestic aviation market
  • Cellulant’s platform allows Jambojet customers to pay as they book their flights

Customers of Kenya Airways’ low cost carrier Jambojet will be able to purchase tickets via mobile phones beginning Thursday.

This follows a partnership between Jambojet and Cellulant, a local online payment provider, to facilitate the mobile transactions. The airline is expected to launch operations on April 1 increasing competition in Kenya’s domestic aviation market.

It plans to provide low fares by slashing costs as it targets a fresh class of passengers which currently rely on ground travel. (READ: KQ set to launch Sh3,000 fare carrier in April)

“Mobile ticketing will keep costs minimal enabling us to offer customers affordable air travel,” said Jambojet chief executive, Mr Willem Honduis.

The airline says that tickets for a one way flight from Nairobi to Mombasa will go for as low as Sh2,850($33) inclusive of taxes and fees.
Initially, Jambojet will ply domestic routes before spreading its wings to East Africa.

Cellulant’s platform allows Jambojet customers to pay as they book their flights. Receipt of payment is confirmed immediately via text message, making transactions easier by reducing booking time.

Jambojet’s entry into the market comes even as Jetlink plans to resume operations increasing rivalry in a market that has for a while been dominated by Fly540.