These frequently asked questions will provide you general information about our
Satellite Authorisation System
When will the SatAuth products be commercially available?
First Quarter 2017.
Does the SatAuth Tracking server meet the ICAO 4D15 recommendations ?
The SatAuth Server does not only meet the ICAO 4D15 recommendations, but we take pride in the fact that the Tracking functionality exceeds the recommendations. Not only is Longitude, Latitude, Altitude and Time tracked, every 15mins (4D15), but these parameters are customisable to your unique requirements, and can be implemented to track every 60 sec’s. In addition, we also record the Bearing, and create Alerts on significant changes identified by the built in Accelerometer.
The installation can be completed within an normal CK-A Check – how long before I can start tracking my aircraft ?
The aircraft can be tracked as soon as the installation is completed, and the aircraft has left the hangar. The Aircraft to be tracked will be registered as part of the commercial agreement, and the software will be pre-loaded with the Tail numbers by your trained Flight Operations teams.
How complex is the Customer interface, and will training be provided?
Software client interface training will be provided for the staff required to monitor and manage the Aircraft tracking. This training will not require more than a ½ day introduction course , but more extensive in-depth training can be provided on request.
For which environments has the SatAuth solution been created?
As per our Memorandum of Understanding with SAA, they have first right of refusal, since they are making the testing facilities available to us.
Who is SatAuth’s first customer?
SatAuth has been developed against the most stringent environment standards found in the Aviation industry. The solution has been tested in Marine and remote environments when robustness and support are more important criteria.
Does SatAuth provide a global solution?
Yes! The solution will function around the Globe.
Does SatAuth provide global support?
Global support will be provided at the Terrestrial sites, which will be situated at the customers preferred location.
I guess from your name you communicate with satellite for authorisation. Which satellite operators are involved, and which routes do you cover?
We have selected a satellite provider which has global satellite footprint, so we do not believe that there are any routes that would not be able to take advantage of our SatAuth solution.
As a merchant customer, what hardware components is the SatAuth Solution made up of?
The SatAuth Solution comprises of 4 types of components: – Airplane installation (1 per aircraft) – Antenna (L 133mm x H 117mm x w 44mm ) and – SatAuth (L 246mm x H 178mm x W 75mm) cage to fit within a mini overhead stowage compartment – Terrestrial installation (1 per merchant) – Approx. 5 m2 access secured area is required for the merchant to store SatAuth servers, with an Ethernet / GPRS facility which will allow for regular server updates and maintenance.
What Point of Sale (POS) terminals are compatible with the SatAuth Solution?
Any POS terminal which has been certified for use with the solution and which are wi-fi enabled, will function with the SatAuth Solution. Currently testing is based on the Creon wi-fi enabled terminals, but this range can be extended to any terminal which is capable of hosting the ITIS Merchant Access Point (MAP). Additional aircraft models will be included as per merchant requirements.
How does the SatAuth solution remove my card payment risk?
SatAuth reduces the merchant risk by authorising and submitting the settlement at the time of purchase – no more ‘insufficient funds’ or card validation issues! This removes lengthy back-office recovery processes, and allows the merchant immediate settlement of transactions.
Can I purchase the SatAuth equipment?
The SatAuth solution is provided on a rental basis, which allows SatAuth to maintain co-ordinated software, firmware and hardware updates globally.
How much does the SatAuth cost the typical merchant/airline?
Please complete the enquiry form, and we will be happy to provide you further information in this regard.
How big of a problem is in-flight fraud?
In-flight fraud relative to credit card purchasing, according to current Moodie’s Report statistics is between 3%-4% of total billion $ turnover.
What’s wrong with the traditional zipzap machine and/or card not present system?
The problem with the current environment, is that card transactions are not processed on-board in real-time. The transactions are recorded, but only processed once the aircraft returns to the ground. There is no opportunity for the duty-free merchant to verify that there are sufficient funds for the transaction, or that the passenger is in fact the bona fide owner of the card.
Apart from the usual duty-free goods, what else is SAA thinking of selling in the air?
We cannot answer for the merchant, but the SatAuth solution will allow for VAS (value added sellers) to be part of the merchant’s future in-flight offering.
Does the SatAuth Tracking server meet the ICAO 4D15 recommendations ?
The SatAuth Server does not only meet the ICAO 4D15 recommendations, but we take pride in the fact that the Tracking functionalityexceedsthe recommendations. Not only is Longitude, Latitude, Altitude and Time tracked, every 15mins (4D15), but these parameters are customisable to your unique requirements, and can be implemented to track every 60 sec’s. In addition, we also record the Bearing, and create Alerts on significant changes identified by the built in Accelerometer.
We note that the Server is self-powered, is there an option to connect to alternative Aircraft power sources ?
The Server has been designed to be able to connect to a power source. The EASA STC is being extended to include an on-board power source, as an optional extension to the standard installation.
Will the flight crew require training on the use of the SatAuth System ?
Standard Aviation briefing requirements for Crew, relating to on-board equipment will be provided.
What aircraft are currently certified to have the SatAuth Solution installed on them?
For the confirmation of the Commercial SatAuth solution the following Aircraft have been certified:
- A340-200
- A340-300
Additional aircraft models will be included as per merchant requirements
Which certification has been obtained for the installation, EASA or FAA?.
The certification authority for this STC is EASA, but reciprocal FAA approval is implied.
How much does the SatAuth cost the typical merchant / airline?
Please complete the enquiry form, and we will be happy to provide you further information in this regard.
Has the SatAuth Solution been approved for use within the aircraft?
All equipment is DO160G certified.
How long would a typical installation take for an aircraft?
The SatAuth infrastructure can be installed during a standard CKA, preventing any impact on scheduled flights.
What aircraft are currently certified to have the SatAuth Solution installed on them?
For the confirmation of the Commercial SatAuth solution the following Aircraft have been certified:
A340-200
A340-300
Additional aircraft models will be included as per merchant requirements
Which certification has been obtained for the installation, EASA or FAA?.
The certification authority for this STC is EASA, but reciprocal FAA approval is implied.
How much does the SatAuth cost the typical merchant / airline?
Please complete the enquiry form, and we will be happy to provide you further information in this regard.
Has the SatAuth Solution been approved for use within the aircraft?
All equipment is DO160G certified.
How long would a typical installation take for an aircraft?
The SatAuth infrastructure can be installed during a standard CKA, preventing any impact on scheduled flights.