Imagine a global aviation ecosystem where airlines and partners collaborate seamlessly to deliver personalized products and services, process orders and payments efficiently, and track consumption in real time. This vision is no longer distant future—it's the ambitious goal being pursued by the Shop-Order-Pay Standards Board (SOPSB).
SOPSB's core mission is to manage and develop standards governing interactions between airlines and any other entities involved in providing products/services, confirming delivery eligibility, and monitoring consumption of ordered products. These standards cover an extensive range including:
- Fare structures: Ensuring transparent and consistent fare calculations
- Currency: Supporting multi-currency transactions globally
- Booking: Streamlining reservation processes
- Ticketing: Standardizing electronic ticketing for better user experience
- Intermodal distribution: Enabling seamless air-ground transportation connections
- Quotation and order management: Optimizing quote-to-order workflows
SOPSB Working Groups: Powering Aviation Standardization
SOPSB's success stems from its specialized working groups comprising experts from leading global airlines who collaboratively develop and maintain industry-wide standards.
1. Quotation and Order Working Group
This group focuses on quotation construction, delivery, structure, and related business processes. Key responsibilities include:
- Reviewing/approving proposals for creating/modifying process standards
- Maintaining alignment with existing standards while documenting requirements
- Coordinating with other process ownership groups and industry committees
- Regular progress reporting to SOPSB
Notable members include:
| Airline | Name | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Air Canada | Rania Chehade | Director, Distribution Platforms & Product Delivery |
| American Airlines | Shawn Zeak | Senior Manager, Modern Retailing |
| British Airways | Matt Kelso | Solutions Manager, Offer & Order Solutions |
| Lufthansa Group | José Pereira | Head of Global Distribution |
| Singapore Airlines | Lee Kaiyu | Manager, Distribution |
2. Order Payment Working Group
This team streamlines passenger payment and related financial processes, particularly those authorized by Passenger Services Conference. Key functions:
- Reviewing/approving proposals for payment process standards
- Collaborating with Financial Committee's Payment Methods Group on emerging payment standards
- Coordinating with other financial process ownership groups
3. Pricing Automation Working Group
This group enhances automation of international fare pricing and rules to ensure consistency and efficiency. Responsibilities include:
- Developing unified interpretations of existing pricing standards
- Recommending modifications to ensure consistent fare application
- Advising on implementation strategies for tariff resolutions
4. Ticketing Working Group
Focusing on ticketing processes and related business requirements, this group:
- Reviews/approves ticketing standard modifications
- Maintains resolutions and implementation guidelines
- Coordinates with other industry groups
5. Reservation Working Group
This team develops recommendations on all reservation rules/policies, including:
- Adding/modifying data exchange standards in AIRIMP, XML, and EDIFACT
- Updating reservation manuals and recommended practices
- Maintaining alignment across industry groups
6. Technical Standards Support Group
This critical group ensures technical integrity by:
- Developing data exchange standards meeting business requirements
- Creating implementation guidelines
- Maintaining alignment with ATSB methodologies
7. SOPSB Advisory Forum
This open platform facilitates industry-wide collaboration by:
- Sharing knowledge about emerging trends and technologies
- Collecting stakeholder input for SOPSB decisions
- Promoting cooperative standard development
SOPSB's Vision: A More Efficient, Intelligent Aviation Future
SOPSB's work is transforming aviation by enabling:
- Enhanced efficiency: Simplified processes, reduced errors, lower costs
- Superior user experience: More personalized, convenient services
- Innovation acceleration: New product/service development
- Improved interoperability: Seamless system connections
Through its working groups' collective efforts, SOPSB is building a robust standardization framework that will underpin the aviation industry's sustainable development for years to come.