The first iPad-based inflight solution available on the market.
LAS VEGAS – Allegiant Systems is pleased to announce the public launch of the FlyDesk Buy-on-Board (BoB) application, the first iPad-based solution that enables airlines to process food and beverage transactions in-flight. The BoB application, which launched in beta on select Allegiant Air flights in October 2012 and which will be implemented fleetwide by the second quarter of 2013, is now available to airlines worldwide.
A 2012 report from Amadeus showed that an effective Buy-on-Board solution will improve customers’ inflight experience, while creating additional revenue for the carrier. Through the Allegiant Systems Buy-on-Board application, flight attendants can find out all of the information and pricing on all a-la-carte food and beverage options, track inventory and process credit or debit card payments. If an airline is equipped with inflight WiFi, the BoB app will be able to process payments immediately (rather than waiting until landing), reducing the risk of cancelled or incomplete payments.
The system was designed specifically to meet the needs of Allegiant Air, a recognized ancillary revenue leader in North America that offers a large number of items for sale onboard. “Allegiant Travel was very excited to be able to offer the solution to our flight attendants,” said Mary Grace Clements, airline VP of In-Flight. “By integrating the Buy-on-Board app with FlyDesk, we have provided our crew with a single device for their payments, manuals, and reports. Ultimately, we view the device as a fully integrated part of operations, as it provides mobile access to many parts of their workday.”
Unlike other BoB applications, the Allegiant Systems BoB application is fully integrated into the same iPad that houses the airline’s FlyDesk EFB and cabin solutions. This makes it easier to offer an expanded list of a-la-carte food and beverage options, without complicating the purchase process for the customer or the flight attendant processing the sale.
As a mature platform with various sized screens and a strong operating system, the iPad was a clear choice for the program. “We evaluated hardware and software for Android and Windows 8 as well,” said Andrew Kemmetmueller, CEO of Allegiant Systems. “Ultimately, it came down to the decision that we needed a platform we could invest into for five years or more that provided required security and stability.” As technology and airlines’ need evolves, the FlyDesk solution may be available on the iPad mini.
The BoB app is offered as part of Allegiant Systems’ integrated FlyDesk solution, which provides airlines with a turnkey mobile solution for their cabin and flight crews. As well as the BoB app, FlyDesk offers FlyDesk Cabin (in-cabin operations) and FlyDesk EFB (Electronic Flight Bag). FlyDesk’s unique “apps store” format provides airlines with the opportunity to customize their solution and continuously add additional functionality as the need arises. All of the FlyDesk apps offer faster deployment, effortless scaling and continuous support.
