Ethiopian Airlines launched customer service that enables its customers to access flight information as well as cargo tracking services via Mobile Short Message Service (SMS).

According to the Airline’s press release, the system works by sending an SMS of short code to 8611 messaging line. The press release furthered, the service will empower the company’s valued customers to get instant information while they are on the road.

Customers of Ethiopian can now check flight availability, departure/arrival time, flight status and cargo shipment tracking information instantly. In addition to customers, people welcoming passengers can simply text “f” and the flight number to 8611 and learn the exact arrival time of the flight. They can also text “r” followed by the route of the flight for the same service.

On the other hand, cargo customers may track their shipments by just texting “c” and their Air Way Bill number of shipment.

Commenting on the development, Ethiopian Airlines Group’s Chief Executive Office, Tewolde Gebremariam, said: "Ethiopian is first and foremost a customer service organization. We are continuously looking at ways and means of availing to our customers the best possible travel experience both on the ground and on-board. In today’s digital era, customers want to have access to real-time and personalized information at the tip of their fingers using mobile devices. The launching of this SMS service is only the beginning of a grandiose plan to use a new system called "Mobility" which is mobile digital channels for enhancing customer experience."

According to the Press Release Ethiopian arranged a guide that enhances the usage of the system. The customer can access this by simply texting “I” or “help” or by going to the Airline’s social media sites; www.facebook.com/Ethiopianairlines or www.twitter.com/flyethiopian.

Source: Ethiopian Airlines Press Release