IATA gets US thumbs-up for airline distribution reform

IATA gets US thumbs-up for airline distribution reform
By admin


The International Air Transport Association’s New Distribution Capability has taken a major step forward as its foundation document, Resolution 787, was tentatively approved by the US Department of Transportation.

The program for the development and market adoption of a new, XML-based data transmission standard, aims to ensure that travel sellers and consumers have access to all airline products and offerings, beyond simply the base fare.

“Comparison shopping under the current system is generally limited strictly to comparing fares, and it is difficult to make price quality comparisons of different carriers’ product offerings,” the DOT said in a statement.

“The modernised communication standards and protocols and the marketing innovations that [Resolution 787] could facilitate would be procompetitive and in the public interest.”

It also accepted IATA’s conditions that no traveller be required to provide their personal information to receive a fare offer, that the standard remain voluntary and that each airline can select its own methods of data exchange.

“This is excellent news for air travellers, airlines, intermediaries, and for competition,” IATA director general and chief executive Tony Tyler said.

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