Chinese carriers showed strong support for IATA’s Schedule Data Exchange Program (SDEP), with more 40 participants representing 15 airlines from across China attending North Asia SDEP Forum in Beijing this past July.
As part of ongoing engagement efforts, the forum was aimed at encouraging broader participation in the program.
Launched in late 2023, the Schedule Data Exchange Program (SDEP) was designed to empower airlines with greater control over their schedule data. Built on a “give-to-get” model, the initiative allows participating airlines to access the full schedule database of fellow airline contributors at no cost, in accordance with the established data release policy.
The event served as a valuable opportunity for airlines and IATA to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and collectively address the challenges and opportunities associated with SDEP. This collaborative environment not only deepened participants’ understanding of the program but also reinforced the importance of unified efforts in driving industry-wide improvements.
IATA and participating airlines presented insights and real-world experiences that shed light on the current impact of SDEP and its future direction. These discussions helped attendees gain a more comprehensive view of how schedule data exchange can enhance operational efficiency and decision-making.
Adding a broader industry perspective, Trip.com Group, whose global travel ecosystem includes brands such as TripAdvisor, Skyscanner, Ctrip, and Travelfusion, was invited to share how they leverage data to help them make both strategic and tactical decisions. Their presentation highlighted the critical role of data in expanding market presence and driving revenue growth, offering valuable takeaways for all attendees.
Airlines also had the opportunity to engage in personalized meetings with the SDEP team to further explore of the program’s features and benefits and ask questions to their specific operational contexts.
Overall, the forum underscored the growing importance of data-driven decisions in the aviation industry and reaffirmed IATA’s commitment to supporting airlines in data sharing.
> Learn more about IATA's Schedule Data Exchange Program
