ARINC introduces new solution for Gulf flights to Canada

ARINC is to implement a convenient Avinet network solution for airlines routeing to Canada to send passenger data that meets the requirements for the new Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record (API/PNR) “Push” initiative.

API/PNR is a national program that will enable the CBSA to assess the risk of travellers before they arrive in Canada.

The CBSA has requested that carriers freeze investments toward current data acquisition requirements, and focus instead on preparing for transition to the new “push” technology. The “push” or direct data transfer functionality will replace the current “pull” data acquisition solution that will be discontinued.

The CBSA has created a new in-house technical data acquisition solution that will accept a direct transfer of API/PNR data from commercial carriers and/or their service providers. ARINC’s network solution is designed to enable API/PNR messages to be sent directly to the CBSA from the commercial carrier’s Reservation System or Global Distribution System (GDS).

“ARINC will connect directly to CBSA to facilitate the exchange of secure data to benefit our customers,” stated Yun Chong, ARINC Vice President, Aviation Networks. “We plan to become a CBSA certified service provider to transmit the required carrier messages to CBSA, and we will support carriers as they transition from “pull” to “push,” he added.

“ARINC’s electronic borders solution adheres to the CBSA business and technical implementation guidelines,” said Chong. “It offers multiple enhanced transmission options and improved messaging and monitoring, with end-to-end testing, real-time monitoring and feedback.”

The ARINC system also supports state of the art XML, World Customs Organization (WCO) standard UNEDIFACT, IATA PNRGOV standard, and provides protocol translation for legacy systems.

The CBSA’s “Push” system was initiated in response to European Union concerns regarding “pulling” or retrieval of information that was not privacy approved. The Push system is designed to support international standards and improve data quality, respect privacy obligations, and streamline the data acquisition process.