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HONG KONG. Communications and aviation electronics solutions provider Rockwell Collins has launched its live credit card authorisation service on Hong Kong Airlines (HKA). It is offered through an agreement with the DFASS Group.
The first-of-its-kind service relies on the use of Wi-Fi over the existing ARINC ACARS data link infrastructure, allowing authorisations to be processed in real time and eliminating inflight credit card fraud.
Hong Kong Airlines Director of Service Delivery Stanley Kan said: “Inflight credit card sales represent an important revenue stream for our airline. However, without the ability to conduct live credit card authorisation, we faced the risk of loss due to fraudulent transactions. Now, by validating transactions in real time, we can significantly decrease our risk.”
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Rockwell Collins IMS Asia Pacific Managing Director Heament John Kurian added: “Our Wi-Fi over ACARS solution allows airlines to capitalise on their existing equipment to conduct live credit card authorisations without the need to invest heavily in expensive connectivity equipment. With this cost-effective new service, we can help airline customers around the world increase security by identifying individuals involved with fraudulent credit card activity.”
The new service will allow airlines to remove inflight credit card buying limits, facilitating seat upgrades and high-value purchases, and paves the way for other payment methods including debit cards, e-Wallet and rewards programmes.
DFASS Deputy Chairman John Garner said: “Duty free shopping provides passengers who are travelling on international flights with the ability to purchase prestigious brands including jewellery, watches, fragrances, skincare and even liquor and tobacco on board the aircraft. Now, by working with Rockwell Collins, many more airlines will be able to provide this, and other sophisticated services to their passengers including delivery to their homes while they are actually travelling.”
