China Southern is deploying an onboard retail technology platform to enable customers to purchase inflight seats upgrades using China UnionPay bank cards.
The solution from GuestLogix Inc., a provider of onboard retail and payment technology solutions, includes POS handheld devices that allow flight attendants to process transactions while onboard a China Southern aircraft.
Brett Proud, President & CEO of GuestLogix, said it is a pioneering move for China Southern to use technology for offering unique inflight seat upgrade offerings through the offline acceptance of China UnionPay cards on international long-haul routes.
In collaboration with China UnionPay and China Merchant Bank, GuestLogix will support China Southern’s payment processing of accepted cards onboard.
The project is expected to improve in-cabin service and an enhanced customer experience, while allowing China Southern to generate ancillary revenues via a new and innovative form of onboard merchandising.
“With ongoing commitment to the philosophy of “starting from customer experience and valuing every service opportunity”, we constantly provide the experiences that exceed our passengers’ expectations,” said Zhou Junbao, General Manager Marketing, Commercial Steering Committee of China Southern Airlines.
“As an airline known for putting our customers first, we are pleased to be adding inflight seat upgrades to our repertoire of offerings that will enhance the inflight experience for our passengers," he added.
China Southern is the largest airline in Asia in terms of fleet size, route network and passenger capacity. The carrier services more than 193 destinations in 35 countries and regions worldwide, with a strong emphasis on flights within China and Asia, and international service to Europe, America, Australia and Africa.