Santan, the inflight catering and food and beverage subsidiary of Capital A, has partnered with Soft Space Sdn. Bhd. (Soft Space), the global leader in fintech-as-a-service (FaaS), to introduce a groundbreaking upgrade to its inflight retail solution, Fasspos. This collaboration demonstrates Santan’s commitment to transforming the inflight dining and shopping experience.
Enhancing The Passenger Experience With Soft Space Technology
Since 2020, Santan has been a pioneer in adopting cutting-edge technology to streamline inflight operations. Their introduction of SoftPOS technology for contactless payments on AirAsia flights set a new standard for efficiency and convenience. Now, Santan is further enhancing its inflight retail system with an upgrade that promises to elevate the customer experience even further.
The integration of Zebra Technologies’ enterprise-grade ET45 tablets into the Fasspos system offers larger, more intuitive displays. It also significantly improves the speed of Near-Field Communication (NFC) technology. As a result, this enhancement reduces transaction times by over 50%, allowing AirAsia cabin crew to focus on delivering exceptional customer service.
Softer Transactions, Smoother Service
Image via AirAsia
The upgrade to Santan’s inflight retail solution is designed to streamline operations and boost the customer experience. The Chief Executive Officer of Santan, Catherine Goh, said,
At Santan, we are always working to improve the inflight experience. Technology plays a crucial role in achieving this. By integrating solutions like Fasspos, we enhance both operational efficiency and the passenger journey, providing a smoother, more enjoyable experience.
Catherine Goh, Chief Executive Officer of Santan
The updated system simplifies inventory tracking, in-seat orders, and payment processing. In fact, all these tasks can be managed within a single, easy-to-use solution. This ensures faster service and greater efficiency, leading to higher passenger satisfaction.
A Strategic Vision For ASEAN’s Aviation Industry
With the inflight retail market expanding, Soft Space’s latest upgrade positions Santan at the forefront of the industry’s digital transformation. The Chief Executive Officer of Soft Space, Joel Tay, explained,
The upgraded Fasspos system integrates dual ordering and payment functions in one device, enabling cabin crew to manage transactions more effectively while maintaining high-quality service. This upgrade will significantly improve sales efficiency, cost management, and revenue potential across AirAsia’s entire fleet.
Joel Tay, Chief Executive Officer of Soft Space
Zebra Technologies designed the ET45 tablets to withstand the demands of inflight environments, featuring fast Wi-Fi, built-in barcode scanning, and NFC technology. These lightweight yet powerful tools will enhance the customer experience by enabling smoother transactions and quicker service delivery.
Seizing Growth Opportunities In The Inflight Retail Sector
With the global inflight retail market forecasted to grow to US$11 billion by 2032, this upgrade solidifies Santan and Soft Space as leaders in the digital transformation of inflight retail. The new system supports the growing demand for a wide range of in-flight products, from food and beverages to consumer goods, ensuring a seamless, efficient service for passengers.
In short, this collaboration marks a significant leap forward in the evolution of inflight retail, showcasing Santan and Soft Space’s commitment to innovation. With enhanced technology and a focus on operational efficiency, the upgrade promises to provide passengers a smoother, faster, and more enjoyable inflight experience, while empowering AirAsia’s cabin crew to deliver exceptional service across the skies.
