Last week was an interesting one for MOST as we took the stage at the U.S. Bank/Elavon - Global Airline Symposium in New Orleans. With representatives from over 35 airlines and a multitude of supporting partners, the event served as a platform to delve into the intricacies of payment strategies across the airline industry.

From a MOST perspective, it was a pleasure to present our view of the Inflight retail environment together with a walkthrough of the latest trends and technologies we have adapted in support of our airline customers. We showcased our proprietary payment gateway supporting both offline and online payment capabilities integrated directly to the Elavon platform in support of some our U.S. and European customer base. It was also an opportunity to share insights, particularly with the North American market about the prevalence of both aggressive inflight retailing strategies along with the multitude of card payment types which are required to be supported in the European market. At MOST, we support all major forms of card payment through NFC and Chip and Pin as well as mobile wallets such as Google and Apple Pay. We are also integrating Apple’s Tap to Pay on iPhone for our customers.

The event included some extremely interesting insights into an ever-changing payments eco-system where fraud prevention, adoption of the latest digital payment methods and the continual need for security enhancements for online and offline payment processes were some of the key focus points.

At the heart of MOST approach to inflight payments lies a pivotal trade-off between offline and online transactions. It's a delicate balance, one where each method serves a distinct purpose, catering to the diverse needs of inflight retail.

Offline transactions stand as the cornerstone of our solution, offering unparalleled speed and reliability. With a remarkable 99% authorization rate once synchronized, offline processing ensures swift and seamless transactions that work flawlessly every time. This reliability is particularly advantageous for food and beverage purchases, where speed is of the essence, enhancing both customer satisfaction and onboard operational efficiency.

However, as we navigate the realm of inflight retail, we recognize the need for flexibility. For higher-value items or specific transactions, online authorization becomes imperative. While inherently slower than offline transactions, online transactions provide an additional layer of security and validation, safeguarding against potential fraud and ensuring peace of mind for both airlines and passengers.

In essence, our solution embodies the best of both worlds—a seamless mix of offline efficiency and online security. By striking this balance, we empower airlines to optimize their inflight payment processes, delivering a superior experience that integrates speed, reliability, and security at every altitude.

At the end of the event, Elavon treated us to a unique experience of walking through the French Quarter together with a traditional New Orleans jazz band. This was a once in a lifetime experience and we are very grateful for the invitation from Elavon to participate in this event. We are already looking forward to the next one.