Airport e-commerce platform, Grab, has launched its ‘bring your own device’ Order at Table (OAT) technology at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.
OAT technology allows passengers travelling through the airport the convenience and control of ordering and paying for food from their own devices without the need to download an app. Customers can order and pay digitally, or solely use contactless payment to pay their bill by scanning a unique QR code or tapping an NFC tag on their seat. They can browse menus, place food orders and pay their bill all from their own device, therefore removing the typically high-touch aspects of the sit-down dining experience.
“In this new normal, the importance of contactless technology and the ability to digitally order at any location is no longer a luxury, but a necessity,” said Jeff Livney, CEO at Grab. “As US airports see enplanements come back, we hope our platform will help to ease the stress of travelling while health and safety concerns are at the front of mind for travellers.”
Meanwhile, Pat Banducci, CCO at SSP America, added: “Technology will play a key role in the recovery of the travel experience. Through our partnership with Grab, we look to continue to help facilitate that recovery by implementing self-order and pay solutions to drive the business forward.”
The launch of Grab at Dallas Fort worth follows the announcement at the end of June that Grab had partnered with in-airport food and retail delivery leader AtYourGate to provide a range of services to help the aviation industry and passengers as airports around the world reopen to commercial passengers. The strategic partnership will allow airports to provide both pick-up and delivery at participating food and beverage as well as retail concessions.
Speaking in June, Livney emphasised that the partnership is “designed to support the industry as we face some of the toughest challenges we’ve ever seen. Having contactless ordering options during this health crisis is no longer just a ‘nice to have’ and they are going to be fundamental to the way we all do business going forward. We’re confident the combination of the Grab platform technology and integration with AtYourGate’s delivery capabilities will enhance the passenger journey while making operations smoother, scalable and more efficient and therefore more commercially viable for airport concessionaires.”
