KQ to implement use of cashless transactions at JKIA

NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 21–Kenya Airways has announced the implementation of contactless transactions to enhance customer and staff health and safety priorities in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The airline in a statement said the services will be implemented beginning September 1, 2021.

As such, customers will use mobile money, credit or debit cards to make any transactions at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, including purchasing tickets and paying for checked-in baggage.

KQ Acting Chief Commercial and Customer Experience Officer Julius Thairu said the initiative will further assist in offering efficient services to their customers and minimize future disruptions.

“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 digitizing our processes to serve our customers faster and more efficiently to minimize future disruptions,” said Thairu.

According to KQ, the contactless transactions align 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.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more industries, organizations, and governments are encouraging the use of alternative options to pay for goods and services as one way to reduce social contact and spread of the coronavirus potentially.

“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.