Kenya Airways has said it will be rolling out contactless payment transactions effective from 1st September 2021, that is in line with the airline’s strategy to develop sustainable business operations through investing in innovative processes and technologies for customer safety and security throughout the customer journey.
Customers are encouraged to use mobile money, credit or debit cards to make any transactions at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (“JKIA”), including purchasing tickets and paying for checked-in baggage.
“The aviation industry is increasingly adopting touchless technologies to keep passengers safe, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only heightened the ability to transition to a contactless environment. For Kenya Airways, we aim to keep innovating and digitising our processes to serve our customers faster and more efficiently to minimise future disruptions,” said Julius Thairu, Ag, chief commercial and customer experience officer.
“Alternative payment transactions are becoming increasingly popular across several touchpoints within the airline industry. This process will reduce the complexity of work for our agents, who will no longer have to worry about handling cash, finding exact change, or closing out a cash drawer at the end of the day. This is positive news for our customers and our team members at the airport,” he added.
Pre-pandemic, part of the push for a low-touch, contactless journey was to create a more enjoyable, hassle-free experience for the passenger. It’s been said that the pandemic has brought about years of innovation in a matter of months.
Now, as KQ hopes for a steady climb to recovery, the airline might as well leverage the at times frantic work of the past year into an even more effective and considered approach to a smooth, digitally powered trip that is safe and secure.
By Victor Shalton Odhiambo
