Schedule Reference Service
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Schedule Reference Service (SRS)?
- The Schedules Reference Service (SRS) is a neutral source of schedules data being offered to the industry in conjunction with IATA.
Why has it been set up?
How was Innovata selected to be the service provider for the SRS?
- The original concept for the SRS was an industry owned and operated service. Following a competitive tender process in 2002, Innovata was selected by a group or airline industry experts and IATA to be the service provider, Various industry related circumstances led to a review of the SRS concept, and subsequently in 2003 an agreement was reached with Innovata that the initial launch of the SRS concept would be as a service owned and managed by Innovata and marketed in association with IATA. The agreement between IATA and Innovata assures that the service objectives of the SRS will be met, benefiting the industry by offering a neutral worldwide schedules database conforming in all respects to current industry specified schedules data standards and processes.
How many airline schedules are currently featured in the SRS?
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There are currently approximately 900 carriers in the SRS database submitting passenger and cargo schedules and this number is growing as non-participating carriers and new start-ups submit their schedules to the SRS. Please contact SRSInfo@Innovata-LLC.com for further information.
What are the benefits of the SRS for my company?
- The SRS offers many benefits to your company. The SRS will:
- Provide a secure supply of schedules and related data to all users.
- Reduce costs related to schedule management and distribution.
- Maintain a robust, stable, cost-effective, and neutral schedule collection and distribution service for the industry.
- Increase e-commerce opportunities to maximize product distribution and reduce related costs.
- Quality assured schedules will be returned to participating providers in SSIM or standard CSV file, which can be imported into most off the shelf applications.
I already update Innovata with my schedules. How does the SRS affect this?
- Innovata's schedules database is used for the SRS. If you are currently providing your data to Innovata it is being included in the SRS data. See below “ Where should I send my updates?“ for instructions on where and how to send your updates to the SRS.
What is the preferred file type for schedules updates to the SRS?
- Though SSIM is the preferred method for schedule updates, the SRS will accept the file in any format provided by the carriers. Carriers are encouraged to file updates in a consistent electronic format via FTP or e-mail. Faxes, TTY messages, and other hardcopy formats are accepted. Innovata can also provide a desktop based software application which enables airlines to maintain their schedules, make updates and then create a SSM formatted file automatically for external distribution to the SRS database and other parties. Please contact raborn@innovata-LLC.com for more information.
Which transmission methods and which formats are available for updating the SRS?
- Though some type of electronic format is preferred, the SRS will accept schedule updates in any format including, but not limited to, FTP transfer, e-mail, TTY message, fax, hardcopy submission.
How often should I send updates?
- It is very important that schedules files should be updated as frequently as changes are made. Providers can also provide real time updates via ASM/SSM messaging to supplement regular filings. The schedules contained in the SRS database are used in over 100 client timetables hosted and managed by Innovata and are also supplied to several reservation systems and so with your help, we would like to ensure that we are always distributing and displaying your most current schedules to the industry.
Where should I send my updates?
Updates can also be sent to:
Fax: +1 770 614 4902
TTY: ATLDSXD
For information on FTP transfer, please contact Robin Aborn at +1 770 614 4900 ext 239 or raborn@innovata-llc.com.
Who should I contact with any questions or issues on my schedules updates?
- If you have any questions or issues about your schedules updates, please contact Robin Aborn at +1 770 614 4900 ext. 239 or raborn@innovata-llc.com.
Is there a help desk or customer service desk?
- The SRS provides 24/7 coverage for your assistance. Please call our worldwide toll free number at +1 888 212 2088 to talk to a customer service representative.
What quality checks does the SRS perform?
- Innovata performs two types of quality checks on schedule data, SSIM edits and data edits. SSIM quality edits are performed on all files submitted in SSIM format. Data quality edits are performed twice on all schedule files regardless of the format used for submission. Additionally, specific manual checks are performed on non-SSIM submissions.
Innovata's detailed data quality edits perform numerous checks on data entered into the system. A summarized list of quality checks include:
- Validity of IATA codes (station codes, equipment types, airline codes, etc.)
- Validity of all required data
- Validity of optional data
- Flight duration
- Segment continuity
- Missing data
- Date and time continuity
- Other data checks
Any discrepancies are reviewed with the provider for clarification and verification.
What quality reports or feedback is available from the SRS regarding my company's schedules updates?
- The SRS provides 3 electronic edit reports for your review, which will be available to you after your schedules updates are processed.
- The Duplicate Flight Leg Report contains non-suppressed, non-stop flight legs that are overlapping in operation for at least one day based on the departure station, arrival station, departure time, arrival time, and equipment type.
- The Variance Report flags any anomalies within a flight segment in reference to the markets, distance flown and elapsed time. This report verifies that the correct equipment codes and station codes are used. Exceptional time variances for a flight are verified and corrected.
- The Operational Gap Report consists of the total flying time and total number of departures per day for a 13-week period. This report verifies missing schedule data such as codeshare information, commuter flights and major seasonal schedules changes or resulting from special circumstances.
Does the SRS handle Ad-Hoc Schedule Messages (ASM)/ Standard Schedule Messages (SSM) messaging?
- Yes, we encourage you to send us ASM/SSM messaging for PRBD changes and updates in particular. Messages can be sent via e-mail to IATA.SRS@Innovata-LLC.com or TTY: ATLDSXD.
What data does the SRS require?
- The SRS requests that providers not submitting a SSIM file supply supply the following items in each file submission:
- Time Mode
- Flight Number
- Effective Date
- Discontinue Date
- Days of Operation
- Departure Station
- Aircraft Departure Station
- Passenger Departure Time (if different than the ADT)
- Departure Terminal
- Arrival Station
- Aircraft Arrival Time
- Passenger Arrival Time (if different than the ADT)
- Arrival Terminal
- Service Type
- Equipment Code
- Classes of Service
- Meal Service
- Codeshare information
- Any other data the provider feels is important
Is there a fee to update the SRS and have my schedules included in its database?
- NO, there are no fees to be included in the SRS database or to update the SRS.
Are any other services planned for the SRS?
- Yes. A development program is in place for adding products and services to the SRS. To ensure you receive details of these when they become available please provide your contact information to SRSInfo@Innovata-LLC.com.