BSP/ARC Integration

Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP) and Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) integration.

Scope

BSP (Global)

  • IATA-operated settlement system
  • 180+ countries coverage
  • ~400 airlines, 84,000+ agencies
  • $225B+ annual processing
  • Weekly/bi-weekly settlement cycles

ARC (United States)

  • US-specific settlement
  • $99B+ annual processing
  • Direct airline-agency settlement
  • Weekly settlement

Core Functions

  • Sales reporting (tickets, EMDs)
  • Refund processing
  • Exchange documentation
  • Commission calculation
  • Settlement/remittance

Research Topics

  • DISH Revision 23 specifications
  • BSP HOT file format
  • Settlement calendars by market
  • Commission models and caps
  • Agency default handling
  • BSP Link portal usage
  • ARC Interactive Agent Reporting
  • Non-BSP settlement alternatives

Architecture Considerations

DISH Compliance

Data Interchange Specifications Handbook defines:

  • Record formats
  • Transaction codes
  • Validation rules
  • Transmission protocols

Transaction Codes

CodeDescription
TKTTTicket sale
RFNDRefund
EXCHExchange
CANXCancellation
ACMAAgency credit memo
ADMAAgency debit memo

HOT File Structure

Header Record
├── BSP Code
├── Airline Code
├── Processing Date
├── Period Number
Transaction Records
├── Transaction Code
├── Document Number
├── Agent Code
├── Issue Date
├── Passenger Name
├── Itinerary
├── Fare/Tax/Commission
└── Form of Payment
Trailer Record
├── Record Count
└── Control Totals

Integration Flow

Ticketing System
      │
      ▼
┌─────────────┐
│ BSP Gateway │ ◄── Transaction validation
└──────┬──────┘
       │
       ▼
┌─────────────┐
│  HOT File   │ ◄── Daily/weekly generation
│ Generation  │
└──────┬──────┘
       │
       ▼
BSP Processing Center
       │
       ▼
Settlement & Remittance

Integration Points

SystemDirectionData
TicketingInboundTicket/EMD issuance
RefundsInboundRefund transactions
FinanceOutboundSettlement reports
Agency MgmtBidirectionalCommission, ADM/ACM

Settlement Alternatives

For Non-BSP Distribution

  • Virtual Cards (VCN): IATA Resolution 896/812A
  • Direct Billing: Individual agreements
  • Prepaid Wallets: Duffel Balance model
  • SEPA Direct Debit: European markets

Provider Options

ProviderApproachTimeline
IATA BSPlinkDirectStandard
AccelyaManaged service3-6 months
TPConnectsAPI-based3-6 months
CustomBuild12-24 months

Compliance Requirements

Financial Thresholds

  • IATA financial security requirements
  • Bank guarantee amounts
  • Insurance coverage
  • Audit requirements

Reporting Deadlines

  • Daily sales transmission (where required)
  • Weekly billing periods
  • Monthly reconciliation
  • Quarterly audits