Airlines will have to provide advance passenger information (API) on their services to 25 or more countries within the next few years, predicts the International Air Transport Association.
Many international airlines have begun devising their own software systems to meet this predicted demand, although it remains unclear how much information will be politically agreed for exchange.
Finnair is buying a turnkey software solution from Icelandic-based Calidris for handling API, saying it does not have the in-house resources for developing its own system. Airlines serving Australia, Canada, China and the USA already have to supply some passenger data, and the USA is negotiating to expand the scope of information it can demand.
The US API rationale is security, whereas Spain is pressing for European Union states to be required to demand API for immigration control (Flight International, 6-12 April). Denmark and the UK have already approved laws allowing them to demand API, but they have so far held back from implementing them.
"Too many airlines do not realise the extent of the problem involved in collecting API," says Calidris chief executive Arna Hardardottir, who warns of massively increased check-in times if the carriers leave the information gathering until passengers arrive at the airport.
Finnair passenger facilitation manager Nina Kamsani says: "Our objective is to minimise the effect these new requirements will have on our customers."
The Calidris system checks bookings to find out if API is needed on the route and, if so, what details, then it extracts any necessary data that can be found in the booking system. Finally, it generates a personal email with a code on it to passengers requesting any information needed to complete the API.
If the booking was not made online, the request is sent to the call centre or travel agent that processed the transaction.
DAVID LEARMOUNT / LONDON
Source: Flight International
