The Flight services would boost Jumia Travel Ghana services’ reach.

Speaking at the launch Madam Claire Staal, the Managing Director of Jumia Travel Ghana, said the launch comes at a time when the African Aviation Summit is taking place in Rwanda.

She said the number one online hotel booking company would now be offering both domestic and international flights for major airlines on the continent.

    “Among these major airlines include Kenya Airways, Rwandair Express, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, South African Airways, KLM, Fly Dubai, Turkish Airlines, Air Arabia and Air Seychelles.

   Mr Paul Midy, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Jumia Travel Ghana, the leading e-commerce platform in Africa with presence in 11 countries, said the move was a new step for Jumia Ghana as they aim to be the leading African Online Travel Agency, providing best customer experience for the travellers.

    He said it was also part of the Groups’ broader programme to create a one-stop travel shop providing accommodation, packages and flights all on the same platform, in a bid to streamline travel in Africa.

    “As an Online Travel Agency, Jumia Travel Ghana will be working in partnership with different partners including Amadeus.

    “The service (now available on travel.jumia.com/flights) enables customers to find, compare, and book flights, as well as buy air tickets online with ease directly from various Airline companies across the world.

     “We want to offer to our customers, all payment options, credit card but also payment in cash or through mobile phone as well as the support of a local customer service available 24/7” he said.

     He said accounting for only three per-cent of the world’s air traffic, Africa portrayed massive potential for growth in the coming years, especially due to the increasing demand from the rising middle class and the growing African economies.

     “Jumia Travel aims at capitalising on a market that is progressively driving hospitality demand on the continent.

     “With the International Air Transport Association, predicting 4.8 per cent growth in passenger numbers in Africa in the next five years, this confirms our strategic commitment to provide infinite travel solutions to travellers,” Mr Midy added.

   He noted that the company recently launched its holiday packages to foster domestic tourism in Africa.

    According to the CEO of Jumia Travel Ghana, by including flights in its packages, Jumia Travel would continue to offer easier access to both African and universal destinations, while at the same time remaining keen to maintain “off-the-beaten-path” travel solutions.

     Mr Ben Annane Nsiah, Director, Special Events, Ghana Tourism Authority, lauding Jumia Travel for the initiative that would go a long way to help businesses in the sector, said it would ease burdens in the tourism industry.

    He said it was expected that by 2027, there would be about four million arrivals in the country where impact would be big for the country, adding such intimidations in the sector would make business work.

    Madam Gloria Akuffo Yirenkyi, the Country Manager for South African Airways in Ghana, described the offering of online portal to facilitate business as a value added to the industry.

    “It is very welcoming as that will boost the efforts of industry airlines and this will also offer convenience in the aviation industry.

    “We are happy that this portal is focusing on Africa, because it is targeting our clients and promoting Africa in general,” she said.

    Mr Shukrani Hemedi, the Managing Director of Rawndair-Ghana, noted that the birth of Jumia Travel would help in developing the airline industry as well as developing tourist.