Carrier Onboarding and FAQs
Carrier Onboarding
Welcome to Direct Data Solutions. We could not exist
without you.
Direct Data Solutions maintains the principle of access based on
participation. In other words, to have access to other carriers’ data, a
carrier must contribute and release its data to be disclosed to fellow
participants.
Custom Reports for Carriers
Carriers desiring access to all available data from Direct Data Solutions must
complete the following steps:
1. Sign a Contributed Data Agreement (CDA).
2. Contribute ticketing data and complete the data onboarding process*
through ARC.
3. Sign a Release Agreement to the CDA so that data can be included in Direct
Data Solutions products
FAQs
Find the answers to your questions.
General Information
What is Direct Data Solutions?
Direct Data Solutions is an initiative jointly developed by ARC and IATA to provide
a comprehensive, timely, high-quality and global airline ticket database that spans
both direct and indirect distribution channels.
How many carriers are participating?
We are working with a broad spectrum of airlines to provide a truly global data
perspective.
www.arccorp.com
Why undertake such an initiative?
Our customers have expressed a need for greater insights and access to more
comprehensive data sets. Direct Data Solutions is a natural response to this
growing need to increase efficiencies.
Who are the current customers of Direct Data Solutions?
We do not disclose customer information.
How broad is the scope of the program?
Our goal is to deliver a single global data set that provides deep insight on a scale
not offered by any other source.
Legal
Are there any legal or regulatory issues associated with Direct Data Solutions?
ARC and IATA have developed strict data release policies taking due consideration
of competition law requirements.
What about data privacy?
Direct Data Solutions does not contain any personally identifiable information on
individual passengers.
Data
What type of data is available through Direct Data Solutions?
The Direct Data Solutions file contains 60 standard and 9 optional data fields,
including:
- Ticket/Document (for validating/marketing carrier only)
- Flight itinerary
- Carrier
- Fare and tax*
- Industry average fare
- Distribution channel
- Point-of-sale**
- Issue and travel dates
*For validating/marketing carrier only
**Agency identification where permitted
What is the source of the data?
Direct Data Solutions data is derived from three distinct sources:
1.
Travel agency-issued tickets processed through ARC’s Area Settlement
Plan (ASP)
www.arccorp.com
2. Travel agency-issued tickets processed through IATA’s Billing & Settlement
Plans (BSP)
3. Tickets contributed directly by airlines (agency-and airline-issued)
Carrier Sales
Which airlines are eligible to receive data from Direct Data Solutions?
Direct Data Solutions data is available to carriers that have completed the
following steps:
1. Signed a Contributed Data Agreement (CDA)
2. Contributed ticketing data and completed the data onboarding process
through ARC
3. Signed a Release Amendment to the CDA for data to be included in Direct
Data Solutions products
4. You can then sign a subscription agreement if you want to receive Direct
Data Solutions data
What products are available to carriers through Direct Data Solutions?
Direct Data Solutions is available to carriers through two distinct products:
-
Direct Data Solutions Integrated Feed – A raw data file that is sent directly
to the carrier for integration into their data and reporting systems
Direct Data Solutions Web Tool – A web-based tool enabling users to
generate canned reports and conduct ad-hoc analyses without having to
manage or store the data directly.
Can I receive a sample data file?
Yes. Sample data files containing Area Settlement Plan (ASP) data from ARC and
Billing & Settlement Plan (BSP) data from IATA are available to all air carriers.
Additionally, sample files containing carrier contributed data (direct and indirect
channels) are available to any carrier meeting the Direct Data Solutions program
eligibility requirements (see above). To request a sample file, contact your sales
representative.
Can I receive trail access to the Web Tool?
Yes. Trail access to Direct Data Solutions Web Tool containing Area Settlement
Plan (ASP) data from ARC and Billing & Settlement Plan (BSP) data from IATA are
available to all carriers. Carrier-contributed data (direct and indirect channels) is
available via web access to any carrier meeting the Direct Data Solutions program
eligibility requirements (see above). To request a trial, contact your sales
representative.
www.arccorp.com
What is the price of Direct Data Solutions?
Please contact a sales representative to receive a price quote.
How frequently can I get Direct Data Solutions data?
Direct Data Solutions data is updated daily (at least two days old) and can be
delivered daily or monthly.
Is Direct Data Solutions data available to non-carriers?
Yes. Direct Data Solutions data is available for purchase by non-carriers. However,
the Direct Data Solutions Integrated Feed and Direct Data Solutions Web Tool
products are only available to participating carrier customers.
How is Direct Data Solutions data delivered to non-carriers then?
Initially, requests for this data by non-carriers will be handled through customized
reports. Over time, we plan to explore the possibility of making Direct Data
Solutions data available to non-carriers through standardized products.
How is Direct Data Solutions different from existing products?
Direct Data Solutions is the only commercially available product that includes
ticketing data contributed direct by airlines (including sales through direct and
indirect channels), in addition to data sourced through ARC (ASP) and IATA (BSP).
Can I continue to buy data products that include only Area Settlement Plan (ASP) data
from ARC or Billing & Settlement Plan (BSP) data from IATA?
Yes.
My current data subscription is up for renewal. Should I plan to change my
subscription to Direct Data Solutions?
We recommend contacting your sales representative to discuss the options that
would best meet your needs.
Non-Carrier Sales
Is Direct Data Solutions data available to me?
Yes. Initially, requests for this data by non-carriers will be handled through
customized reports. Over time, we will explore the possibility of making Direct
Data Solutions data available to non-carriers through standardized products.
Am I subject to any of the carrier eligibility requirements in order to receive Direct
Data Solutions data?
No. The eligibility requirements for carriers are related to their contribution of
data.
www.arccorp.com
How is Direct Data Solutions different from existing products?
Direct Data Solutions is the only commercially available product that includes
ticketing data contributed directly by airlines (including sales through direct and
indirect channels), in addition to data sourced through ARC (ASP) and IATA (BSP).
Can I continue to buy data products that include only Area Settlement Plan (ASP) data
from ARC or Billing & Settlement Plan (BSP) data from IATA?
Yes.
What is the price of Direct Data Solutions?
Please contact a sales representative to receive a price quote.
www.arccorp.com