Fastjet launches mobile payments with M-PESA

African low-cost airline Fastjet has launched a mobile payment solution with Tanzanian telecommunications company Vodacom, which will enable Fastjet customers to buy airline tickets using their mobile phones.

M-PESA provides the cash economies of East Africa with the ability to deposit or withdraw cash, send money, buy prepaid airtime, pay utility bills and now purchase fastjet tickets.

This new partnership means that today more than 9 million subscribers to M-PESA Tanzania are able to book and pay for fastjet tickets with their mobile phones and will receive booking and payment confirmations by SMS.

Credit and debit card payments are expected to be introduced next month, providing a further payment option for international passengers.