Ethiopian Airlines, the fastest growing and most profitable airline in Africa, has partnered with payment leader Worldpay to streamline its business transactions and meet the needs of its global customer base.

Ashna Bhawan at Worldpay worked with Ethiopian Airlines to implement a customized payment solution that integrates with Ethiopian Airlines’ sales channels and Sabre Reservation System to process payments on behalf of Ethiopian. Worldpay’s global acquiring network reduces the cost and risk associated with international payment acceptance, whilst maximising global customer reach by connecting to locally preferred payment methods. This helps Ethiopian Airlines to show prices in their customers’ local currency, enhancing sales conversions.

Nega Mekonnen, CFO Ethiopian Airlines, said, “Ethiopian is pleased to partner with Worldpay to further enhance our potential to meet our 15 years strategic roadmap and cement our position as Africa’s premier airline. It also allows us to offer our customers a wider range of payment options to suit their preferences.”

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.”

Ethiopian is implementing a 15-year strategic plan, Vision 2025, which will see it become the leading Aviation Group in Africa, offering its passengers international standard product with five star service delivery. Ethiopian Airlines has won multiple awards for its outstanding and sustainable performance, including 2014 Africa’s Best Business Class Airline, 2014 Bombardier Airline Reliability Performance Award, SKYTRAX World Airline Award for Best Airline Staff Service in Africa for its outstanding customer service, and 2013 APEX Passengers’ Choice Best Airline in Africa.