Travel Technology Glossary

Global Distribution System

A worldwide computerized network acting as an intermediary between travel service providers (airlines, hotels, car rentals) and travel sellers (OTAs, corporate travel agencies).

New Distribution Capability

An XML/JSON-based data transmission standard developed by IATA that enables airlines to distribute rich content, personalized offers, and dynamic ancillaries directly to travel sellers without legacy GDS EDIFACT constraints.

IATA ONE Order Standard

An IATA initiative designed to modernize airline retailing by replacing the legacy triumvirate of PNRs, E-Tickets (ETKTs), and Electronic Miscellaneous Documents (EMDs) with a single, unified retail order record.

Passenger Name Record

A 6-character alphanumeric record in a Computer Reservation System (CRS) or GDS that contains the complete itinerary, passenger identity, ticketing status, and contact data for a booking.

Passenger Service System

The mission-critical IT suite that powers an airline's core operational backbone, typically combining the Central Reservation System (CRS), Airline Inventory Management, and Departure Control System (DCS).