Ecobank Partners Western Union on Money Transfer

In a bid to make financial transactions easier for Africans, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated and Western Union Money Transfer to introduce Internet Account Based Money Transfer (ABMT) in Kenya.

The event, which took place in Lagos, they said will provide an opportunity for Ecobank to offer more than 2,600 agent location across its 31 countries where they have branches with regards to the ABMT services.

The Group Executive Director, Ecobank, Mr. Patrick Akinwuntan, said the electronic service is an extension of the two companies’ successful collaborations over the years in Africa.

“ABMT will allow Ecobank customers convenient access to the Western Union service via internet banking and through any of the ATMs and kiosks in the Ecobank network, enabling them to receive money in their account anytime from any of the approximately 510,000 Western Union agent locations around the world,” he said.

Akinwuntan explained further that the service would also offer the unbanked customers to become banked and fully integrate them into the formal financial system, thus promoting financial inclusion.

He also pointed out that they were leveraging technology to take the banking to the people through the provision of convenient, reliable and affordable financial products and services, which he added is a key part of the bank’s strategy.

“Therefore, we are pleased to be partnering with Western Union to be the first to offer such an innovative and convenient banking service to our customers, “he said.

Meanwhile, the Senior Vice President, Middle East and Africa, Western
Union, Mr. Jean Claude Farah, in his presentation noted that the agreement with Ecobank aimed to further encourage remittance flows and deepen their contribution to financial inclusion.

He stated that despite the financial crisis being witnessed globally, Western Union had been reliable financial service providers for many countries.

“The inclusion of ABMT reinforces our relationship with Ecobank. This also demonstrates Western Union’s continual commitment to providing reliable and convenient world-class money transfer services, “he said.

He maintained that Ecobank, being a strong brand and valued agent of Western Union, added that the partnership extension is a clear example of two leading companies and brand collaborating to meet the fast evolving needs of consumers for technology driven innovations and services in money movement.

FOR those that do frequent traveling for business, vocations and other reasons, flying first class could be to enjoy the comfort that it offers or for relaxation after a stressful period of hard work.

Recently, some airlines have gone as far as to model their first-class section as suites. They are now offering private suites in first class, which is perhaps the ultimate luxury in air travel.

Nigerian indigenous airlines like Arik Air, Aero Contractor, IRS and Med-View first-class features, have such appealing attractions that for the passenger who can afford it would not resist, but add extra money to enjoy the class and the comfort that comes with it.

Singapore Airlines, for instance, now markets its highest class on its A380s as “suites” with the tagline “A class above first.” The bed is separate from the seat and folds out from the back wall, with several other components of the suite lowering to accommodate the mattress. Emirates also have a suite-like first class with similar amenities but the bed and chair are integrated where a button is pushed to turn the seat into a bed in seconds.

First-class passengers usually have at least one lavatory reserved for their exclusive use, with more than one on larger planes.

Especially for long haul and high-yielding routes on top airlines, first-class seat have facilities like a five-star hotel such as a mini-bar. The seats vary from large reclining seats with more legroom and width than other classes to suites with a fully reclining seat, workstation and TV surrounded by privacy dividers.

International first-class seats usually have between 147–239 cm (58–94 inches) of seat pitch and between 48–89 cm (19–35 inches) of width while domestic flights may have between 86–173 cm (34–68 inches) of pitch and 46–56 cm (18–22 inches) in width.

All over the world, in air travel industry, first class passengers are generally allowed to board the plane before the rest of the passengers, and because the first class cabin is at the front of the plane, they are also the first to get off, because there are fewer people in first class, there is much more room for stowing carry-on items, sometimes including a closet compartment in which to hang up a coat or other clothing.

Many business travellers find that the first class cabin is also much better for any potential networking that could be done en route from point A to point B than the coach cabin might be.

On longer flights, including most international flights, traveling in first class is especially nice when it comes to sleeping. Most first class seats recline to a position that is at or near completely flat, which is much more comfortable for getting a good rest. However, each airline offers different perks to its first class passengers, so be sure to check what you get for the money before you spend the extra money on a first class air ticket.

For Lufthansa’s exclusive “first-class terminal”, first-class passengers usually have special check-in and security zones at the airport. Some airlines operate private first-class terminals or offer international first class passengers complimentary limousine rides to the airport.

United Airlines has also launched a new turndown service for customers in United Global First on long-haul international flights.

Customers can enjoy a new sleeping cushion with a 250-thread-count outer cover in addition to the standard plush duvet, soft pillows and philosophy-brand amenity kit.

“Throughout their travel experience, our Global First customers expect the highest level of service.”

“The new turn-down service offers customers even more comfort, enabling them to arrive at their destinations refreshed and ready to go,” said Mark Bergsrud, the United Airline’s senior vice president of Marketing.

According to him, United Global First is offered on most flights to Europe, Asia, Africa, India, the Middle East, South America and the South Pacific and flights between Tokyo and Bangkok, Seoul, Singapore and Taipei.

In addition to the new bedding service, United’s first class passengers are also treated to multi-course meals and fine wines among other perks. These luxuries do come at a price. With all the suffering that frequent travel can bring on, there are ways to make at least your flight a lot more enjoyable. The easiest way to do this, of course, is to travel in first class.

But the biggest question is first class really worth it? What do you get for that extra expense? First and foremost, the first class cabin in any airplane is going to afford you loads of more personal space. The first class section generally will fit two seats where economy squeezes three or more, so you can be guaranteed of having more room to spread out sideways in first class. Additionally, the rows are spaced much further apart, so you will get lots more legroom as well.

Besides the extra space, first class passengers typically do not have to pay for meals, whereas very few airlines serve free meals in economy class anymore), and those meals are typically of much higher quality