Ethiopian Airlines has entered a new phase of its digital transformation with the launch of a strategic partnership with Chapa Financial Technologies, a leading fintech firm in Ethiopia. The collaboration is set to make flight ticket purchases easier and more accessible by enabling passengers to pay online using any bank ATM card.

Under the initiative, branded “Flight Meets Fintech,” travellers can now complete their bookings directly on Ethiopian Airlines’ website or mobile app and process payments through Chapa’s secure platform. The move aligns with the airline’s goal of enhancing customer convenience while promoting the country’s growing digital economy.

Hailemelekot Mamo, Vice President at Ethiopian Airlines, described the partnership as a demonstration of the airline’s commitment to local collaboration and innovation. “Working with Chapa demonstrates our commitment to service excellence and investing in homegrown innovation,” he said. Mamo added that Ethiopian Airlines remains open to working with more Ethiopian technology firms to help expand the nation’s digital ecosystem.

On his part, Nael Hailemariam, CEO of Chapa, highlighted the benefits of the partnership for travellers. “Our collaboration with Ethiopian Airlines allows passengers to complete transactions with speed and confidence,” he noted, adding that it marks a significant step toward creating a more integrated digital payment landscape in Ethiopia.

Since its launch, Chapa has partnered with several financial institutions and processed transactions worth over 100 billion birr. The company, which employs 60 people, continues to position itself as a key driver of digital payments and financial inclusion in the country.

The partnership between Ethiopian Airlines and Chapa underscores a broader national shift toward cashless innovation, as Ethiopia works to expand digital infrastructure and enhance access to modern financial services.