Type B Messaging is a communication protocol widely used in the aviation and travel industries. It is primarily used to exchange structured, standardized messages between airlines, airports, ground handlers, reservation systems, and other industry stakeholders. Here’s a breakdown of its key features and purposes:
What is Type B Messaging?
Type B Messaging is a messaging format defined by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). It supports the exchange of mission-critical information such as flight operations, baggage handling, passenger processing, and more.
Key Features:
- Standardized Format:
- Messages follow a predefined syntax for uniform interpretation across different systems.
- Commonly uses formats like telex or XML.
- Reliability:
- Messages are transmitted over a secure network designed for high reliability.
- Ensures timely delivery and confirmation of receipt.
- Integration:
- Works with legacy and modern systems in the aviation industry.
- Interfaces with reservation systems, departure control systems (DCS), and airport operations.
- Scalability:
- Supports both small-scale and large-scale operations.
Common Use Cases in Aviation:
- Passenger Services:
- Sending passenger name records (PNR).
- Updating check-in statuses.
- Flight Operations:
- Sharing flight plans and scheduling updates.
- Coordinating crew information.
- Baggage Handling:
- Baggage status updates (e.g., loading, transfer, arrival).
- Cargo Operations:
- Exchange of shipment details.
- Tracking updates for air freight.
- Revenue Accounting:
- Handling interline billing data between airlines.
How It Works:
- Messages are exchanged through dedicated Type B networks, such as SITA or ARINC.
- These networks ensure secure routing and delivery to the intended recipients.
The Travsys T-MEC solution is also connected to these networks as well as to several direct connections to airline systems.
Type-b messages can be exchanged between airline systems and our airport installations or cloud-based solutions.
For human exchanges of messages, the T-MEC system can convert the type-b messages into email messages and to be forwarded to email server systems and visa versa.