Flutterwave, the leading payments technology company in Africa, has partnered with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to enhance travel to sub-Saharan Africa.
By integrating with IATA’s payment orchestration platform, Flutterwave enables airlines worldwide to process payments from customers using various payment methods, including cards, bank transfers, mobile money, and alternative payment modes available on the Flutterwave platform.
The IATA Financial Gateway (IFG) serves as a comprehensive payment orchestration and management platform exclusively designed for the airline industry. It empowers airlines to accept local payments from different markets through their distribution channels.
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This partnership opens up new opportunities for IATA’s 290 international airlines to expand their operations in Africa while effortlessly receiving bookings and payments from customers in Africa, utilizing both local and international payment methods.
Through the integration with IFG, airlines, and travel agencies can leverage Flutterwave to accept a wide range of payment options when customers book airline tickets. Instead of navigating complex connections to multiple payment service providers in Africa, IFG provides a single global connection, offering complete control over payment and settlement processes. It seamlessly integrates with ticketing systems and distribution channels, streamlining the payment experience for airlines.
This collaboration proves particularly valuable for global airlines seeking to collect local currencies through cards and indigenous payment methods. It ensures a seamless payment experience for millions of customers in Africa and other markets where Flutterwave operates, making it easier for airlines to conduct business and serve their diverse customer base.
According to Olugbenga “GB” Agboola, the CEO and Founder of Flutterwave:
“Africa is poised to be one of the fastest-growing aviation regions in the next two decades, with an estimated annual expansion rate of nearly 5%, as stated by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). To accelerate this growth further, it is crucial to facilitate the easy establishment of airline operations across the continent and enable seamless payment processes for their customers.
Our partnership with IATA addresses the payment challenges faced by global airlines entering the African market. We believe that this collaboration will encourage more international airlines to expand their presence in Africa.”
Muhammad Albakri, the Senior Vice President of Financial Settlement and Distribution Services at IATA, commented:
“The IATA Financial Gateway plays a vital role in introducing new payment options in various markets. We are pleased to welcome Flutterwave’s involvement in bringing secure and innovative payment methods to airlines, travel resellers, and the traveling public in Africa.”