Emirates introduces split payment option in Kenya to boost travel flexibility

Emirates has launched a new split payment solution for travelers in Kenya, becoming one of the first international airlines to introduce such functionality in the market. The move is aimed at improving payment flexibility and increasing access to air travel by allowing customers to combine multiple payment methods for a single ticket purchase.

The initiative has been rolled out through Emirates’ longstanding partnership with Cellulant, a pan African payments provider. The capability is powered by Tingg, Cellulant’s digital payments gateway, which enables seamless processing across mobile money, cards, and bank transfers within one transaction flow.

Kenya becomes the first market to pilot the split payment feature, with plans to extend the service to additional African countries in the coming months. The launch reflects both Emirates’ commitment to strengthening its footprint in Africa and the growing importance of flexible digital payment solutions across the continent.

Under the new system, customers booking flights from Kenya can divide the total ticket cost across multiple payment channels. For example, a traveler may use mobile money to pay part of the fare and complete the balance using a debit or credit card. This flexibility addresses a common friction point in markets where transaction limits, card penetration, or account balances may prevent customers from completing higher value purchases in a single payment method.

Kenya’s payments ecosystem, widely regarded as one of Africa’s most advanced, provides fertile ground for such innovation. The country has a high rate of mobile money adoption, driven largely by services such as M-Pesa, which has reshaped consumer payment behavior over the past decade. However, transaction caps and wallet balance constraints can limit large purchases such as international airline tickets.

By integrating Tingg’s split payment functionality, Emirates is effectively aligning its booking system with local financial realities. The approach reduces checkout failures and broadens access to customers who may not have sufficient funds in a single account at the time of booking.

For Cellulant, the partnership reinforces its positioning as a key enabler of digital commerce across Africa. Tingg’s infrastructure supports multiple payment options including mobile money, bank transfers, and card payments, consolidating them into a single interface for merchants. The split payment feature builds on this foundation by offering greater transaction flexibility without adding complexity for the end user.

Airlines operating in Africa face unique payment challenges compared to more card dominant markets. Limited credit card penetration, varying banking infrastructure, and diverse regulatory environments require adaptive solutions. Payment innovation has therefore become a strategic lever for customer acquisition and retention.

Industry analysts note that airlines increasingly recognize payments not merely as backend infrastructure but as a competitive differentiator. Simplified and flexible checkout experiences can directly influence conversion rates, particularly in emerging markets where digital commerce continues to expand.

For Emirates, which maintains a strong presence across African routes connecting to Dubai and onward global destinations, the enhancement may strengthen its competitive edge in Kenya’s outbound travel market. By lowering transactional barriers, the airline positions itself as more accessible to both leisure and business travelers.

The rollout also reflects a broader digital transformation trend within the aviation sector. Airlines globally are investing in fintech partnerships to optimize booking systems, personalize payment experiences, and integrate local payment methods in high growth regions.

As the split payment feature expands to other African markets, its success will likely depend on local payment behaviors, regulatory approvals, and merchant integration capabilities. Countries with strong mobile money penetration such as Ghana, Uganda, and Tanzania may present similar opportunities.

Beyond convenience, the innovation signals a deeper shift in how global brands approach African markets. Rather than imposing standardized global payment frameworks, companies are increasingly tailoring solutions to regional economic realities.

By embedding flexible payment options at checkout, Emirates is not only enhancing customer experience but also acknowledging the diversity of financial access across the continent. In a market where digital payments are evolving rapidly, adaptability may prove just as important as route networks or pricing strategies.