Low cost carrier Mango has become the first African airline to launch a booking, payment and brand engagement application on the BlackBerry® 10 platform. The application will enable guests to search and book flights, receive push notifications and browse airline news, among other things. The application is available on BlackBerry® World™, with functionality that includes payments with Edgars and Jet account cards.
“Innovation lies at the core of our business,” says Mango spokesperson Hein Kaiser, adding that the airline’s mobile site, launched late in 2012 has attracted substantial volumes and positively impacted Mango’s bottom line. “Our mandate of accessibility of air travel compels Mango to continue seeking pioneering distribution channels and payment methodologies. We were the first South African airline to offer retail flight bookings through supermarkets Shoprite and Checkers, so extending our network across mobile platforms further enables doing business, no matter where or when.”
Kaiser says that the combination of its wide payment method acceptances, including Edcon group charge cards, coupled with the high penetration of smartphones, gives the airline access to a significant market segment where distribution access points have been lean until now.
“Embracing mobile technology turns every smartphone into a shop window, a possible penetration of likely 1-2 million new consumers,” says Kaiser.
He adds that beyond sales, the potential for direct communication and engagement with potential customers is immense.
Mango plans to develop a host of additional functionalities and technological innovations during 2013, many of which will be available on its mobile platforms.
Staff Writer
