TORONTO, ONTARIO–(Marketwire – Aug. 10, 2010) – Open AXIS Group announced today that Frontier Airlines has joined the organization as a Full Member. Everbread, Guestlogix, Navitaire, Traveldata (Japan), Tripit, Vayant Technologies and Ypsilon.net AG have also joined as Allied Members.
Open AXIS Group’s primary goal is advocacy and promotion of XML as the optimal electronic messaging structure for airline system connectivity used in content distribution. The organization has already established a proven XML schema as the baseline for its standard and will work closely with its members to adopt, promote, enhance and maintain this schema to create a robust industry standard that addresses the needs of both the supply and demand sides of the travel supply chain.
“The initial reaction to our launch in July was very positive and we’re getting calls from interested parties worldwide every day,” said Jim Young, executive director of Open AXIS Group. “This is because we’re driving the creation and adoption of a master XML standard for airline connectivity that enables both messaging and content distribution. Commitments by both new and existing members will help ensure the standard is comprehensive and global in scope.”
“Today’s airline customers are demanding more choice and flexibility when they travel,” explains Jan Fogelberg, vice president of customer experience and technology at Frontier Airlines – a wholly owned subsidiary of Republic Airways Holdings, Inc. “By working with the Open AXIS Group, we can ensure Frontier customers benefit from seamless access to products and services they require at the best price possible through all of our distribution channels.”
The current Open AXIS Group XML schema supports the full range of airline transactions, from straightforward booking and PNR management transactions, to more complex transactions involved with multiple passenger management, ticketing, exchange, refunds, voids and the various merchandising related transactions including optional services, bundling, EMD management and payment and settlement solutions. With support from its Full and Allied Members, Open AXIS Group will provide a robust, standardized XML schema that addresses both current and future needs of the travel industry.
Membership in Open AXIS Group is open to any entity that operates in the travel industry, including the airlines (Full Members) and other third party developers, GDS, travel agencies, associations, and consultants (Allied Members). There is however no requirement to join Open AXIS Group to use its messaging standard, which can be downloaded at www.openAXISgroup.org. Full Members have the right to actively engage in and vote on all matters put before the membership, including matters relating to enhancements and extensions to the Group’s XML standard. Allied Members can provide feedback on and participate in the development of the Group’s XML standard. They can also voice their recommendations on future enhancements.
Open AXIS Group’s founding airline members are Air Canada, American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and US Airways. ATPCO is a founding Allied Member.
About the Open AXIS Group
Open AXIS Group is a member-based, not-for-profit organization. Its primary goal is advocacy and promotion of the eXtensible Markup Language (XML) as the optimal electronic messaging structure for airline system connectivity used in content distribution. In support of this purpose, the Open AXIS (Airline XML Integration Standard) Group intends to adopt, promote, enhance and maintain standardized XML schema tailored to the airline industry that is capable of delivering comprehensive functionality to both the supply and demand sides of the travel supply chain on a worldwide basis. Follow Open AXIS Group on Twitter (@OpenAXISGroup), become a fan on Facebook (www.facebook.com/OpenAXISGroup) or connect on LinkedIn (http://www.linkedin.com/companies/open-AXIS-group). Find out more, become a member or register and download the Open AXIS Group’s schema at www.openAXISgroup.org.