Ethiopian Airlines has partnered with payment specialist Worldpay to streamline its business transactions and meet the needs of its global customer base.

Ashna Bhawan, ?business development manager Airline Sector, UK & EMEA at Worldpay, worked with the airline to implement a customised 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 is said to reduce the cost and risk associated with international payment acceptance, while 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.

Ethiopian Airlines is implementing a 15-year strategic plan, Vision 2025, which it hopes will see it become the leading Aviation Group in Africa, offering its passengers international standard product with five star service delivery.

Nega Mekonnen, CFO Ethiopian Airlines, said: "Ethiopian is pleased to partner with Worldpay tofurther 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."