Imagine if airlines, airports, travel agencies, and service providers worldwide could exchange data as seamlessly as smartphones communicate. This vision is being realized through the work of the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) Architecture and Technology Strategy Board (ATSB), which is developing data exchange standards to drive digital transformation across the aviation industry.
As a core component of IATA's Passenger Standards Conference (PSC), the ATSB plays a pivotal role in ensuring interoperability and quality in data exchange standards. Beyond advising other standard committees on architectural and technical strategy, it oversees business requirement documentation and manages the development of data exchange methodologies. These efforts directly impact operational efficiency, customer experience, and innovation across aviation.
The Foundation of Aviation Data Exchange
The ATSB's primary responsibilities include:
- Standard Development: Creating, maintaining, and updating data exchange standards to ensure consistency across the industry.
- Architectural Guidance: Providing strategic technical advice to ensure alignment with industry-wide development goals.
- Methodology Oversight: Managing standardized processes for developing business requirements and data exchange standards.
- Data Model Maintenance: Supervising the Aviation Industry Data Model (AIDM) as the central repository for business requirements and message models.
- Best Practices: Promoting consistent implementation of standards across multiple business domains.
Specialized Working Groups Driving Implementation
The ATSB operates through specialized teams focusing on key areas:
Change Management & AIDM Integration
This group maintains the integrated AIDM, reviews change proposals, and coordinates with IATA committees while monitoring project timelines.
Open API Development
Focused on creating industry standards for REST API, GraphQL, and AsyncAPI implementations to ensure interoperability, this team maintains the Reference Communication Model (RCM).
Identity Management
This group develops technical standards for identification systems across sales channels, operations, and passenger processing.
Quoting & Order Technical Standards
Responsible for data exchange standards related to pricing and reservations, this team develops implementation guidelines while coordinating with business requirement groups.
The Open API Revolution
The Open API Working Group's initiatives are particularly transformative, establishing what amounts to a universal language for aviation data exchange. Their published standards include:
- OpenAir Standard JSON Schema Library (derived from AIDM)
- OpenAir API Style Guide for developer reference
IATA's OpenAir Certification process validates API compliance with industry standards, with certified APIs promoted through IATA's Industry API Hub to enhance visibility and adoption.
Global Collaboration for Industry Progress
The ATSB comprises aviation experts from leading global carriers who guide these standardization efforts:
| Airline | Representative | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Air Canada | Aziz Benzouak | Senior Enterprise Architect - Data Architecture & AI |
| Air China | Yingying Zhao | Deputy Director, Information Management |
| Lufthansa | Carsten Breithaupt | Head of Enterprise Architecture |
| Singapore Airlines | Joon Hong Lee | Senior Principal Technology Specialist |
| United Airlines | Kiran Deshpande | Senior Manager - Enterprise Architecture |
Through these collaborative efforts, the ATSB is building an interconnected digital ecosystem that promises to redefine global air travel's efficiency and service quality.