Mango launches mobi-booking channel

Mango has introduced a mobi-booking channel to its portfolio of products and services.

The functionality is immediately available in beta phase until October 15, and makes it possible for passengers to book and pay for flights, choose seating and purchase ancillary products “on the go”. Linked to its existing Flymango.com URL, the mobi-site automatically detects and adjusts to different mobile devices. A tablet application will be available for download at no cost from various app-stores by the end of October with flight change functionality available shortly.

“Innovation is one of the cornerstones of our business,” said ceo Nico Bezuidenhout, who believes that going mobile will not only make doing business with the airline easier, but provide access to bookings where traditional e-commerce has no reach. “Mobile connectivity in South Africa accounts for a significant portion of internet users who solely connect using their cell-phones. This represents a vast, untapped online market well within our potential customer base,” he said.

Mobility follows several new developments at Mango; these include the roll out of the G-Connect In-Flight Wi-Fi service now available on 90% of its fleet, with the final aircraft presently in installation phase, and its home check in and boarding pass printing service among others.