The International Air Transport Association (English for International Air Transport Association, short IATA) is the umbrella association of airlines based in Montreal, Canada. Almost all airlines are organized in the IATA, the aim of which is to promote and monitor the civilian freight traffic of people and goods. The highest goals are security, economy and planning. For example, the introduction of electronic tickets on all flights is based on an IATA specification. IATA also issues the well-known three-digit airport codes that are on every baggage tag (e.g. FRA for the Frankfurt am Main airport) and the abbreviations for airlines (e.g. LH For Lufthansa)
background
The IATA was founded on August 28, 1919 in The hague founded. In addition to airlines, it also organizes airports, flight authorities, travel agencies, suppliers and ground handling companies, as well as other companies in the aviation industry. The German IATA representation is located in Frankfurt am Main, the Swiss seat in Geneva and for Austria the office is in Prague responsible.
SSR codes
The abbreviation does not stand for secondary radar Secondary Surveillance Radarbut for Special service request. This determines what help a passenger needs.
PRM codes
PRM stands for Passengers with Reduced Mobility, for passengers with reduced mobility.
| code | importance |
|---|---|
| WCHR | Wheelchair to the ramp, passenger needs a wheelchair to the aircraft, but can walk stairs and short distances independently |
| WCHS | Passengers cannot climb stairs, but can move around in the cabin, otherwise they have to rely on a wheelchair |
| WCHC | Passenger needs an onboard wheelchair and has to be moved |
| BLND | Passenger is blind or visually impaired |
| DEAF | Passenger is deaf |
| DPNA | Passenger with intellectual disabilities or impairments |
| MEDA | Declared fit to travel. Medical assistance may be required |
More codes
They can be used for different purposes such as meals. Here is just a selection, more details from the respective airlines, as (luckily) not all of them have the same kitchen.
| code | importance |
|---|---|
| STCR | Stretcher, passenger must be transported lying down |
| OXYG | Passenger needs additional oxygen during the flight |
| MAAS | Meet and Assist, children traveling alone, traveling alone with children |
| BBML | Baby meal |
| GFML | Gluten free meal |
| RVML | Raw vegetarian food |
See also
- Wikipedia article on IATA
- www.iata.org - IATA official website
- ICAO - the International Civil Aviation Organization
