Aviation Systems

An AODB (Airport Operational Database) is the central data hub that aggregates, stores and distributes all flight-related operational data at an airport — schedules, slot allocations, actual movement times, resource assignments and flight status — serving as the single source of truth for airport systems.

A BHS (Baggage Handling System) is the automated conveyor, sorting and screening infrastructure that transports checked baggage from check-in acceptance points through security screening to the correct aircraft loading area or baggage claim belt.

A FIDS (Flight Information Display System) is the airport information technology system that collects, processes and displays real-time flight status information — departures, arrivals, gate assignments, delays and cancellations — on screens throughout the terminal.

A CRS (Central Reservation System) is the core module within a PSS that manages an airline's flight inventory, schedules and reservations. It controls seat availability, booking classes and fare availability in real time across all distribution channels.

A Passenger Service System (PSS) is the central software platform airlines use to manage reservations, inventory, ticketing and passenger services. It forms the data layer on which the DCS and other operational systems depend.

CUPPS (Common Use Passenger Processing Systems) is the IATA standard for shared agent-operated passenger-processing positions such as check-in desks and boarding gates. It succeeded the legacy CUTE standard, while CUSS remains the complementary standard for passenger-operated self-service devices.

CUSS (Common Use Self-Service) is the IATA standard that enables passengers to check in at shared self-service kiosks serving multiple airlines. A single physical kiosk can run check-in applications from different carriers.

CUTE (Common Use Terminal Equipment) is the IATA standard that allows airport check-in counters, gate terminals and associated equipment to be shared by multiple airlines, eliminating the need for each carrier to maintain dedicated hardware.

A Departure Control System (DCS) is the operational software used by airlines to manage check-in, seat assignment, boarding pass issuance and flight capacity from the check-in counter through to gate departure.

A Self Bag Drop (SBD) unit is an automated baggage acceptance point where passengers who have already completed check-in can weigh and deposit their luggage without staff assistance. It is the physical complement to the CUSS kiosk check-in flow.

A GDS (Global Distribution System) is the technology platform through which travel agents and online booking tools access real-time flight inventory, fares and availability from multiple airlines simultaneously. Amadeus, Sabre and Travelport are the three dominant GDS providers.

TIMATIC (Travel Information Manual Automatic) is the IATA database system used by airlines and airports to verify passenger travel document requirements — visa, passport validity, health requirements and entry restrictions — at check-in and boarding, based on nationality, destination and transit points.