The NMB Bank, in collaboration with the Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL), has unveiled a commercial partnership for an air ticket payment system, dubbed "Anga Rafiki – Tiketi Yako Imebima," which offers travelers the convenience of paying for tickets through NMB branches, agents, and the NMB Mobile App. These transactions will automatically include Travel Insurance.
This collaboration was launched at the NMB headquarters in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday, August 16. Travelers purchasing domestic flight tickets through NMB will receive life insurance, disability coverage, or compensation for lost luggage during their journey, with compensation reaching up to 5 million Tanzanian Shillings in the event of a traveler's death.
Speaking during the launch, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NMB, Ruth Zaipuna, said that through 229 branches and more than 21,000 agents, travelers across the country will be easily reached, facilitating ticket access. Moreover, bank customers have additional means to pay for these tickets via mobile phones through USSD and the NMB App.
"We at NMB believe that this service not only provides convenience for the traveler in purchasing their ticket but also protects them against travel-related mishaps such as disability, death, and loss of luggage. If a customer pays for an ATCL ticket through NMB and unfortunately passes away – which we sincerely hope doesn't happen – or suffers disability during travel, they or their dependents will receive up to 5 million Shillings. And if the traveler's checked-in baggage is lost, our customer will be compensated with 300,000 Shillings. If the flight is rescheduled or postponed, they will be paid 150,000 Shillings. We will process these insurances through our partners at Reliance Insurance," elaborated Zaipuna.
On his part, the Executive Director of ATCL, Engineer Ladislaus Matindi, praised NMB not only for this partnership but also for providing added Travel Insurance for their customers. He emphasized that Tanzanians should no longer travel with apprehension when both ATCL and NMB are available.
"ATCL is consistently focused on improving our services, from the time a ticket is issued until a customer reaches their destination. We are proud of our partnership with NMB, which distinguishes us from other air travel service providers in the market. This collaboration eradicates concerns regarding ticket availability and the safety of our passengers and their belongings during travel, especially with the added benefits introduced by NMB for passengers purchasing through their vast network of branches, agents, and mobile services, as earlier mentioned by CEO Zaipuna," added Matindi.
Matindi further expressed gratitude to the Sixth Phase Government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan for their continuous support in enhancing services in the national and international aviation sector. He revealed plans to expand their fleet to 16 aircraft by early next year. He urged NMB to be prepared to serve their airline customers, including fostering an environment to promote the export of local produce and goods. He concluded by questioning why passengers should travel in fear when there is such a positive partnership between his organization and the bank.