South African Airways has installed the SatAuth (Satellite Authorisation Systems) solution. The system, first installed on the airline’s cabin trainer for testing in May 2014, will not only allow secure credit card transactions anywhere in the skies, but also provide pin-point accurate aircraft tracking services for operational purposes. SAA Technical (SAAT) developed the testing and engineering procedures for airline maintenance facilities around the world.
SAA installed the device on an Airbus A340-300 at the SAAT maintenance facility in Kempton Park, Johannesburg.
The system will allow for secure credit card transactions at any point and real-time positioning of any flight, anywhere, impacting fuel saving interventions in-flight, as well as providing full visibility of actual flight paths versus planned routing at any time. SatAuth is the first product of its kind, developed in South Africa.
SAAT will manufacture all major aircraft components required for the installation of SatAuth in accordance with the international Aviation Certification standards required for installation.
SAA plans to install SatAuth across its entire long-haul fleet over time.