IATA has announced the launch of an industry-level platform designed to support airlines and their partners by speeding up new technology implementation concerned with IATA standards.
The platform, called Accelerate@IATA, brings together airlines, partners and startups to look at industry problems and find solutions, leading ultimately to running pilots and implementation. IATA has selected Plug and Play to help operate the program and identify and connect with Plug and Play’s network of more than 15,000 startups.
“All businesses are racing to introduce new technology that makes them more competitive. But aviation is an industry that combines global interconnected processes, multiple complementary players in the value chain and legacy infrastructure – and that can make the pace of digital transformation more challenging. Accelerate@IATA addresses this innovation issue at the industry level by connecting startups with airlines and provides the opportunity to pilot technologies at scale in areas related to IATA standards, initially focused on digital retailing,” said Aleks Popovich, IATA’s senior vice president, financial and distribution services.
The platform will accelerate around 20 startups per year in two batches, matching their solutions with industry requirements. While the first couple of batches will focus on the digital retailing journey, the intent is to expand to other industry issues in the future. The accelerator supports selected startups through education, mentorship and, potentially, with financing from participating corporate partners.
