IATA Simplifying the Business
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Simplifying the Business (StB) is an initiative launched in 2004 by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to lower industry costs and improve passenger service.
The current StB program will save the industry up to US$18.1 billion every year. In 2011, five projects make up the StB program: e-freight, IATA e-services, Baggage Improvement Program (BIP), Fast Travel and Automated Baggage Rules (ABR ).
Completed StB projects
E-ticketing: StB completed its e-ticket project on June 1, 2008. The project converted the industry to 100% e-ticketing in four years [2], saving the industry US$3 billion, according to the association.
Bar Coded Boarding Passes (BCBP): The BCBP project, launched in 2005 and was successfully completed at the end of 2010 when it reached its Board target of 95% global BCBP capability. This met IATA's vision of 100% BCBP implementation for its member airlines.
Radio Frequency ID (RFID): StB closed the RFID project because its value is subject to the individual merits of each business case. There is no mandate for the universal adoption of RFID from IATA. However, IATA recognizes the significant benefits of RFID and IATA’s Passenger Services department now coordinates this area.
How does StB realize industry-wide change?
- A focus on a mutually beneficial approach for everyone involved
- The leadership and support of the IATA Board of Governors - a group of 30 airline CEOs
- The endorsement of the IATA AGM
- The ability to create industry-wide standards
- A global network of 4,000 IATA, airline, and airport staff, industry experts and suppliers