Toronto-based GuestLogix (TSX: GXI), a provider of ancillary-focused merchandising, payment and business intelligence technology to airlines and the passenger travel industry, today commented on Apple’s decision to include “Apple Pay1 ” Near Field Communication (NFC) payments as a new feature of its iOS platform, iPhone 6 and 6 Plus as well as its new Apple Watch. NFC a technology that allows payments to be made via enabled smartphones and mobile devices that are tapped or brought into close proximity to POS terminals has been around for several years, but has failed to gain traction in the market. GuestLogix implemented its first NFC-ready devices in Q3 2012 and is fully prepared to support the increased popularity of NFC payments following Apple’s announcement, having already deployed its NFC-compatible mobile POS technology across several airline, rail and airport lounge operators.
“We are very excited about the impact that Apple’s decision to accept NFC will have on the payment landscape and consumer purchasing habits,” said Brett Proud, President & CEO, GuestLogix. “Apple’s support of NFC technology will surely act as a catalyst to drive NFC payments in North America and beyond, leading to increased usage across all operating systems – iOS, Android and Windows all of which are supported by our PCI-compliant technology. In addition to supporting existing NFC payment technologies on our mobile POS platform, GuestLogix looks forward to supporting NFC payments via Apple Pay once this payment method is made available.”
Smartphones and tablets operating on the Android and Windows version platforms are already enabling NFC transactions, and the acceptance of NFC payments via mobile devices running on the iOS platform is a welcome addition. GuestLogix is eager for Apple to drive industry adoption and contribute to an increased number of NFC transactions across all mobile operating systems.
GuestLogix estimates that its NFC-ready solutions will support more than 300 million passenger trips per annum by end of Q1 2015.
