U.S. Bank Brings ‘Cardless’ Payment App to Genav

U.S. Bank Multi Service Aviation is rolling out an app that enables pilots to order and pay for fueling services directly through their phones. MSA Pay, which U.S. Bank believes is the first complete order-through-payment “cardless” mobile fueling app for general aviation, is designed to save its customers time by eliminating receipt and invoice tracking. In the works for about eight months, the app will be available for Apple iOS devices this year and for Google Android systems early next year.

“When you look at this space there are unique challenges,” said Dominic Venturo, chief information officer for U.S. Bank. After landing, pilots have numerous tasks to coordinate with the FBO, including the paperwork for fuel invoicing. “We wanted to eliminate a pain point,” he said, adding that this will improve the transaction process. The app can automate the process, facilitate advance scheduling and streamline billing, the spokesman added.

Pilots will use the app to notify FBOs of the arrival details, service requests and any special needs. Once the FBO provides the requested services, an invoice is sent to the pilot for approval. The app will email a copy of the invoice to the pilot and to the pilot’s back office for final payment processing, U.S. Bank said.

“Pilots can pay for their transactions when they want. This allows them to focus on their customers rather than the paperwork and back-office requests,” said Tami Richards, Aviation Solutions program manager for U.S. Bank. This expedites the time needed on the ground, particularly in cases of “quick turns.” As another benefit, Richards said, “the FBO will have notification of the [requests] and be ready to respond.”

Users can select destination FBOs; make, modify and cancel reservations; create profiles; and review, approve and pay invoices through MSA Pay. The app works through U.S. Bank’s web-based point-of-sale program. The app facilitates either automated reservation confirmation or an option for the FBO to add a personalized note.

U.S. Bank is eying more features to be added over the next six to 12 months, such as car reservations, catering and other concierge-type services, Richards said. “We’re looking at beyond the arrival to pinpointing amenities while on the ground,” she said. The app will also allow notification of last-minute changes.