The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Union of Railways (UIC), to strengthen their cooperation in standard-setting and interoperability initiatives, with a focus on data exchange standards supporting intermodal travel.
UIC is an international rail transport industry body.
Under the MoU, the collaboration opportunities will be explored from the dual perspectives of existing distribution processes and standards as well as transformative retail-based “offer-order” processes and standards, typified by the New Distribution Capability and ONE Order initiatives.
IATA said these activities offer significant opportunity for value-creation within intermodal partnerships.
Specific areas for dialogue and cooperation around standards and interoperability include:
“For 75 years, IATA’s mission has included supporting and facilitating the development of the commercial standards that enable the smooth and efficient operation of a globally inter-connected air transport network,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA director general and CEO.
“IATA has extensive experience in facilitating standards development to support intramodality and our MoU with UIC is an important step toward strengthening this activity,” he added.
François Davenne, UIC director-general, said, “This MoU confirms the desire to really promote multimodality. Offering customers a single ticket for rail and air travel gives them the opportunity to choose the best of both worlds by optimising their journey as well as their carbon footprint.”