U.S. Bank Adds Mobile Payments For Pilots

If fleet fuel cards and mobile apps are how drivers buy fuel across the country, can airline pilots be much farther behind?

MSA Pay, a new iPhone app launched by U.S. Bank Multi Service Aviation, is promising to take away fueling and servicing woes with its ordering and payment functionality, which also includes providing pilots with back office support.

The first-of-its-kind app works by notifying the fixed base operator (FBO) of pilots’ arrival details, service requests or any special needs before landing. Upon landing, the app notifies the pilot when all the requested services have been performed and emails an invoice to the pilot, thereby cutting down unnecessary paperwork, according to a press release.

“Electronic invoicing via mobile device frees pilots to focus on clients rather than paperwork,” said John Hardin, general manager of global transportation at U.S. Bank. “The ‘quick turns’ so vital to a pilot’s schedule become even quicker with MSA Pay.”

As added functionalities, the app also provides reservation confirmations, the ability for FBOs to write a personalized note for pilots and help with flight planning and scheduling. The app’s interface also allows for the pilot to review, modify or cancel such transactions.

“MSA Pay brings convenience and payment security to pilots, their finance officers and the service providers on the ground,” said Dominic Venturo, chief innovation officer at U.S. Bank. “We understand their needs and have combined our experience in mobile and corporate payments to deliver a service to the aviation industry that was built with their needs in mind.”

The app is currently available through the App Store on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. It’s expected to be made available through Google Play in early 2016.

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