ARC Provides Flexibility in Addressing Distribution Strategies

Current Platform Adaptable to Airlines’ Present and Future Directions

ARLINGTON, Va. – October 20, 2017 – Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) is pleased to announce enhancements to its settlement platform to support a variety of distribution methods including New Distribution Capability, or NDC. Through collaboration with both airlines and travel agencies, ARC is helping to facilitate the implementation of these new approaches to distribution while continuing to support existing systems and processes.

 

With ARC’s flexible platform, each airline can implement the features that best match its distribution strategy. This includes the option to use neutral ARC or airline ticket stock, the acceptance of both the ARC and IATA sales file formats and multiple credit card billing options. An additional change is the inclusion of an NDC indicator for those transactions that may take a different processing route than traditional transactions.

 

“We are well aware of the varied approaches airlines are taking to distribution today and in the future,” said ARC’s Vice President of Product, Doug Mangold. “ARC is committed to supporting these distribution methods by enhancing our settlement system to provide flexibility while still supporting critical processes for our airline and travel agency customers. We are committed to working with our customers to support the industry in its quest for greater efficiency and growth.”

 

Today’s announcement, made at ARC’s Travel Connect conference being held in Washington, D.C., is the result of feedback ARC has received from its Settlement Council—a cross-functional group comprised of both strategic and operational industry thought leaders representing airlines, travel agencies and technology providers. More information is expected to be released over time as the Settlement Council continues their work.

 

For more information, visit ARC’s distribution website.

 

 

About ARC

The Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) is the premier driver of air travel intelligence and commerce in the travel industry with leading business solutions, travel agency accreditation services, process and financial management tools and high-quality data. In 2016, ARC settled $86 billion worth of carrier ticket transactions for nearly 7,000 travel agencies with more than 12,000 points of sale. Established in 1984, ARC is an ISO 27001 certified company headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, with offices in Louisville, Kentucky, Tampa, Florida and San Juan, Puerto Rico. For more information, please visit www.arccorp.com and www.twitter.com/arctalk.