The Schedule Data Exchange Program is a new IATA initiative which will provide an industry-owned and controlled schedule and MCT database. It aims to reduce dependencies and provide airlines with more control, flexibility, and continuity over their schedule, capacity, and minimum-connection-time (MCT) data.
The goal is not to replace or create a schedule distribution service, but to provide a viable alternative schedule database that offers security and reliability. This ensures that airlines can continue their strategic and tactical operations seamlessly, even in unforeseen circumstances.
Why join the program?
Schedule, capacity, and MCT data are essential for the efficient operation of the air transport network. They are also valuable for various purposes, such as network planning, revenue management, slot coordination, or interline agreements. By joining the Schedule Data Exchange Program, airlines will benefit from:
- Control
Airlines can determine when, with whom, and how to share their data while maintaining control over access, enabling them to make informed, tailored, and strategic decisions. - Flexibility
Airlines can choose from different methods of data sharing with no disruptions to existing workflow and designs. - Reliability
Airlines will have access to a schedule database that is updated weekly and standardized by IATA. They will be able to retrieve historical and future data for analysis and planning in accordance with an industry-defined give-to-get model and data release policies.
Additionally, the program will assist IATA in its role as an industry association by enabling it to provide critical services like industry reports, analysis, and advocacy work on issues affecting the industry’s interests. The Schedule Data Exchange Program is a practical solution that empowers airlines, reduces dependencies, and ensures data continuity. By participating, you contribute to a stronger and more adaptable industry. Furthermore, this program addresses the current problem of disparate quality of data and lack of industry governance.
IATA has demonstrated strength in setting up and operating collaborative data governance and exchange programs that are in accordance with competition and anti-trust laws, adhere to strict data release policies, and ensure adherence to data security and privacy.
Airlines committed to joining the Schedule Data Exchange Program
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Join the Schedule Data Exchange Program
The program is based on the give-to-get model, meaning that airlines need to contribute their schedule, capacity, and MCT data in order to access the schedule database. The program is open to both IATA-member and non-member airlines.
For participation details or to join the program, please contact us at schedule@iata.org.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the objective of IATA in building a Schedule MCT Data Exchange Program?
Building on what IATA has already achieved with industry data sharing programs such as DDS (Direct Data Solutions), CDD (CargoIS Direct Data), and others, IATA is launching a new data exchange program to develop and maintain an industry owned schedules and MCT database with the following objectives.
- To support the industry data strategy and vision: IATA to become the airlines’ trusted source of aviation data with clear governance.
- To put airlines in control of their schedule and MCT data via an airline advisory board.
- To offer the industry an airline-governed schedule database.
What is the benefit for an airline joining the program?
The program will be built based on a give-to-get model. Airlines joining the program will get access to the newly built schedule database.
Participating Carriers who have joined the program by signing the Contributed Data License Agreement will be eligible to access this IATA schedule database for the duration of their schedule data contribution to the program as a certified Participating Carrier.
Is the IATA Schedule and MCT Data Exchange Program open to all airlines?
The schedule data exchange program is open to all airlines including airlines who are not IATA members.
How would the data be handled?
As with our other data contributing and sharing programs, IATA would create a data release policy together with the airlines for data governance. The policy would establish the criteria to access the schedule database and would only provide those airlines who contribute to the schedule data exchange program with access to the database.
Would the program require the participating airline to set up a new transmission method to IATA?
The program is designed for seamless integration into the airline’s existing schedule data-sharing processes, ensuring a simple setup with minimal effort required to establish the data flow. IATA’s solution will accommodate and align with the existing schedule publishing process.