MTN Mobile Money Uganda and Next Travel have launched a digital flight booking platform aimed at making air travel more accessible by allowing customers to search, compare and pay for flights directly through their mobile phones.
The new service, dubbed Travel by MoMo, enables users to access global flight options, view fares in Uganda shillings and complete payments through the MTN MoMo platform without requiring credit cards.
The companies said the platform was developed to simplify the travel booking process by addressing challenges such as navigating multiple websites, accessing suitable payment options and dealing with foreign currency transactions.
Speaking at the launch, MTN MoMo Uganda Managing Director Phase Lubega said the solution was designed around the needs of Ugandan travellers.
"Travel by MoMo is a solution designed around the realities of Ugandan travellers. We recognised that many people still face challenges when booking flights, from navigating multiple websites to accessing suitable payment options," Lubega said.
He said the partnership with Next Travel would enable customers to search, compare and pay for flights through a platform they already know and trust.
MTN MoMo Chief Product Officer Jemima Kariuki said the platform would expand access to travel opportunities, especially for people who do not have access to credit cards but use mobile money services.
"At MTN MoMo, we believe everyone should have access to the opportunities that travel creates. By enabling flight bookings through MoMo, we are making travel more accessible to more Ugandans," Kariuki said.
The platform combines MTN MoMo’s digital payment infrastructure with Next Travel’s travel management expertise and customer support services.
Jonathan Martin Kyeyo, Managing Director of Next Travel, said the partnership was aimed at giving Ugandans greater convenience and confidence when booking flights.
"Travel today is about giving customers greater choice, convenience and confidence. Through our partnership with MTN MoMo, we have created a locally tailored solution that allows Ugandans to search, compare and book flights with ease," Kyeyo said.
Travel by MoMo is powered by Amadeus, a global travel technology provider, giving users access to real-time flight availability and travel options from airlines across the world.
The companies said the platform will serve a wide range of travellers, including business travellers, traders, professionals, students and families.
The launch marks another step in MTN MoMo’s expansion beyond traditional financial services into digital solutions aimed at simplifying everyday activities.
Customers can access Travel by MoMo through the MTN MoMo application and begin searching, comparing and booking flights through the platform.
