Global Payment Solution Now Available to Generate Ancillary Revenues Through Seatback Screens
TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - September 19, 2012) - In a move to further deliver new ancillary revenue streams to the world's leading airlines, GuestLogix Inc. (TSX: GXI), the leading global provider of onboard retail and payment technology solutions to airlines and the passenger travel industry, today announces a global partnership with the world's leading supplier of in-flight entertainment and communication (IFEC) systems, Panasonic Avionics Corporation. The partnership will immediately enable fully certified payment processing capabilities through Panasonic's world-class IFE systems, turning hundreds of thousands of seatback screens into revenue-generating storefronts. The new joint solution is now available for all of Panasonic's customers whether in North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia or Oceania.
Due to the extensive reach of Panasonic's global customer network, GuestLogix' Global Payment Gateway was chosen to enable Panasonic to plug into a single gateway for payment processing in any region, using any payment method and with all necessary payment certifications already in place.
Driving New Ancillaries, Driving Greater Value
"GuestLogix' chief mission is to help airline's find new ways to generate ancillaries both onboard and throughout the travel journey through technology innovation," said Tom Douramakos, President & Chief Executive Officer for GuestLogix. "Enabling Panasonic and its global customer-base to drive these ancillaries through the world's most popular seatback IFE screens is a prime example of how a passenger-preferred onboard amenity can be turned into a lucrative revenue source."
As the industry's most selected and installed in-flight entertainment system, the new agreement stands to further augment the value of Panasonic's IFEC systems. With this new partnership, airlines will be able to significantly enhance passenger experience while at the same time monetize new onboard services to drive additional ancillary revenue streams.
Passing Purchasing Power to the Passenger
"There is a dramatic shift happening in the world of in-flight entertainment and airlines are working to find an onboard entertainment experience that meets or even exceeds passenger expectations, but one that also can sustain itself with significant revenue potential," said Brett Proud, Executive Vice President of New Markets & Products for GuestLogix. "Shifting onboard retail control into the hands of passengers and ultimately giving them the ability to order and pay for duty-free, food and beverage, destination-based content or even in-flight entertainment itself from the seatback will allow ancillaries to be generated throughout the entire duration of the flight and not just during the finite period when flight attendants are able to provide cart service."
According to a recent IBM Institute of Business Value Study, 86% of global consumers desired using a form of technology themselves when shopping(1). Giving consumers the opportunity to browse through products, initiate the checkout process and ultimately transact purchases onboard themselves, eases the workload on flight attendants and also aligns directly with the growing trend of self-service retailing on the ground. Panasonic IFEC systems then connect to GuestLogix' Global Payment Gateway to process all payments on behalf of the airline.
The announcement of this partnership marks the first of its kind on a global scale and is designed for rapid implementation with all necessary integrations to GuestLogix' Global Payment Gateway already in place.
About Panasonic Avionics
Panasonic Avionics is the world leader in in-flight entertainment and communications, with most systems installed, most airlines served, and the industries deepest knowledge base, developed with over 25 years of consistent product innovation and committed customer service. Panasonic Avionics Corporation is headquartered in Lake Forest, California, with offices in Bothell, Washington; regional centers in Dallas, Singapore, London, Toulouse, Tokyo, Sydney and Dubai; system production facilities in Osaka; and field service, maintenance and sales facilities worldwide. Panasonic Avionics Corporation is a subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation of North America. Panasonic Corporation of North America, based in New Jersey, is the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC) and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. marketing, sales and service operations.
About GuestLogix
GuestLogix Inc. (TSX: GXI), the leading global provider of onboard store technology and merchandising solutions, helps airlines and other travel operators create, manage, and control onboard retail environments tailored to their needs and their passengers. GuestLogix brings a decade of expertise as a trusted onboard transaction processing partner to airlines around the world. The Company's global headquarters and centre for product innovation is located in Toronto, Canada with regional head offices located in Dallas, Texas (serving Americas) London, UK (serving EMEA), and Hong Kong (serving Asia-Pacific). A sales and support office is located in Singapore and Shanghai. Logistics centres are situated in Toronto, Dallas, London and Seoul with a software development centre located in India. In September 2012, GuestLogix acquired U.K.-based onboard retail technology provider Initium Onboard with clients in Europe, South America, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. More information is available at www.guestlogix.com.
© 2012 GuestLogix. All rights reserved.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release includes certain forward-looking statements that are based upon current expectations, which involve risks and uncertainties associated with GuestLogix' business and the environment in which the business operates. Any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical facts may be deemed to be forward-looking, including those identified by the expressions "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "intend", and similar expressions to the extent they relate to the Company or its management. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts, but reflect GuestLogix' current expectations regarding future results or events. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations, including the matters discussed under "Risks and Uncertainties" in the Filing Statement filed on May 14, 2012 with the regulatory authorities. GuestLogix assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements.
(1) IBM Global Business Services Executive Report, 2012. Winning over the empowered consumer: Why trust matters.
Contacts:
Media Relations:
GuestLogix Inc.
Dan Thompson
416-670-9316
dthompson@guestlogix.com
Investor Relations:
TMX Equicom
Kristen Dickson
416-815-0700 ext. 273
kdickson@equicomgroup.com
www.guestlogix.com
© 2012 Marketwire, Incorporated. All rights reserved.
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