In this piece, Edson Bezerra is exploring the shift from legacy PNR-based management to the ONE Order paradigm.
In the past, the Departure Control System (DCS) operated independently of the rest of the airline's operations. Usually, when a flight is 24 to 48 hours from departure, control shifts from sales systems to the DCS. At this point, passengers are often seen only as a ticket number and a Passenger Name Record (PNR). But as soon as airlines move to the IATA ONE Order standard, this would shift to a more connected, customer-focused approach.
Intelligence over infrastructure
Unlike legacy systems that use fixed rules, the modern Departure Control operations are composed of innovative, flexible components. These parts give airlines the ability to:
- AI-driven Load Control: Making sure weight and balance are right using smart predictions.
- Dynamic Inventory Management: Handling overbooking and empty seats as they happen.
- Automated Disruption Management (IROPS): Fixing problems right away to reduce the effect on passengers.
Why change – the leap to Modern Retailing
The airline industry is now much more advanced digitally. We know that big GDSs and global companies have been key in connecting the world. But now, the next step is to connect this global network with Departure Control operations that use AI from the start.
The focus is now on making services highly personalised and operations highly flexible. This is not about getting rid of what works now, but about adding the flexibility needed for the future. This new kind of DCS, which we call Service Delivery, is made to fit easily with current systems and help drive new ideas instead of slowing them down.
From static system to Digital Concierge
The DCS is changing from a behind-the-scenes tool to a Passenger Concierge. It will smartly manage lines, help choose the best seats, and connect directly with other services like food, ground transport, and hotels, while giving up-to-date information.
This movement is directly aligned with the most significant aviation transformation in three decades: the transition to Modern Airline Retailing, spearheaded by IATA and the world’s leading carriers.
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