AIDX — Airline Industry Data Exchange

Overview

AIDX (Airline Industry Data Exchange, also referred to as Aviation Information Data Exchange) is a global XML messaging standard used to exchange flight information between airlines, airports, ground handlers, and other systems that need up-to-date operational data. Development began in 2005 through a collaborative effort involving more than 80 airlines, airports, and technology vendors, and the standard launched in 2008. It is recommended jointly by IATA and Airports Council International (ACI).

What It Covers

AIDX messages carry a wide set of standardized data elements describing a flight's status and operational details, including:

In total, the standard defines roughly 180 distinct data elements, giving it far richer structure than older text-based message formats.

Relationship to Type B Messaging

AIDX is often described as the modern evolution of, and in some use cases a replacement for, legacy Type B messaging. Where Type B carries short, fixed-format text messages over a store-and-forward telex-style network, AIDX uses structured XML that is easier to validate, extend, and integrate with contemporary IT systems and web services. In practice, many airlines and airports run both in parallel: Type B remains embedded in systems built around it, while AIDX is used for newer integrations, real-time flight information displays, and system-to-system data sharing where richer structured data is valuable.

Where It Fits

AIDX sits within IATA's broader family of XML-based data exchange standards for airline and airport operations, alongside related toolkits for ground operations messaging. It is commonly implemented through system interfaces at airports, airline operations centers, and third-party flight information providers, and is supported by major aviation IT vendors and communications providers such as SITA.

Key Characteristics