Data platform Airlines Reporting Corporation has launched a first-of-its-kind product for the air travel industry: an orders-based reporting and settlement system.
The new system, which officially launched Wednesday, will help stakeholders in the industry like airlines, travel agencies, and partners migrate to a dynamic, orders-based model from traditional ticket-based reporting and settlement.
The new system will allow for the reporting and settlement of orders with a cash form of payment, as well as support real-time data exchanges and expanded analytics.
“Orders represent a fundamental shift in how ARC and our partners conduct business,” said Sarah Boyd, principal of airline retailing solutions at ARC. “Our new orders system ensures our customers are ready for the next generation of airline retailing and distribution, where an order is the single source of truth for all trip elements.”
The changes are part of a new phase ARC’s retailing strategy, which aims to simplify backend processing and create a more streamlined experience for airlines and travel agencies.
The organization worked with an advisory council of airlines, travel agencies, and travel technology providers to ensure the new system works for both agents and air carriers. In addition to supporting the reporting and settlement of orders-based transactions, the new platform will also handle global distribution system (GDS) EDIFACT and New Distribution Capability (NDC) transactions.
“Collaboration is paramount to ensure the transition to orders-based reporting and settlement is deliberate, scalable, and ensures all parties have access to the data they need to run their businesses,” said George Bryan, who was hired as ARC’s new head of orders in January. “ARC is uniquely positioned to bring together partners across the distribution ecosystem to address their needs and develop a viable path to orders management.”
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