IATA launches new intelligence tool
IATA has announced the launch of a new aviation intelligence tool, and a new set of standards for global distribution systems (GDS).
The new Direct Data Service (DDS) is an evolution of the existing PaxIS product, aimed at understanding travel patterns in the aviation industry. IATA said the tool was developed “to move beyond the relentless legal challenges by global distribution systems to PaxIS” and would obtain data directly from the airlines themselves.
Available from today, DDS will offer direct sales data for airlines that have chosen to provide their information. This currently includes 76% of the total data for global indirect sales, which IATA said it expects to expand to 85% by year-end and then 90% early in 2013.
“Thank you to those first airlines that are already contributing their data and creating the critical mass to move forward. And for those airlines that have not yet got themselves on board, I encourage you to do so,” said IATA’s Director-General & CEO, Tony Tyler.
IATA has also unveiled a new standard for new distribution capability (NDC). The new scheme, which will be proposed at the World Passenger Symposium in October, will address airline requirements new of GDS developments, including greater product differentiation than is currently available.
“Multi-million dollar airline product investments cannot break free of product descriptions limited to booking classes like F, C, or Y and their derivatives. And personalised offers based on availability, customer needs, preferences or histories are effectively impractical,” said Tyler.
“We will complete the definition of the NDC foundation standard this year. And I am confident that the GDSs will join as partners because progress cannot wait. I am also confident that the new platform will unleash innovation and new entrants that will revolutionise airline relationships with their customers. It will also impact IATA.
”In parallel with developing the foundation standard, we are evaluating what other innovations IATA can offer to ensure that we are delivering the greatest value in this area,” he added.