The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced it 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.

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. These activities offer significant opportunity for value-creation within intermodal partnerships.

Specific areas for dialogue and cooperation around standards and interoperability include journey planning and shopping; reservations and servicing; ticketing, including irregular operations processes.

“Seamless exchanges of passengers.”

“As customers increasingly seek sustainable travel options, it is important that providers work together to provide seamless exchanges of passengers and passenger information. The new pact is an important step toward strengthening this activity,” said Alexandre de Juniac, director general and CEO of IATA.

François Davenne, director general of UIC said: “This MoU confirms the desire to really promote multimodality. Offering customers 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.”