Order processing method and system for intermodal flight

Abstract

The invention discloses an order processing method for an intermodal flight. The method comprises the steps that an airline seat selection system receives a seat reservation request of an alliance platform; wherein the seat reservation request comprises a seat request for reserving each flight in a plurality of flights, and the plurality of flights are flights of different airlines; and the airline seat selection system selects a seat from each flight according to the received seat reservation request, and returns a seat selection result to the alliance platform. The invention also discloses an order processing system for the intermodal flight, and the system comprises an airline seat selection system and a receiving alliance platform, and the airline seat selection system is configured to be used for receiving a seat reservation request of the alliance platform; the airline seat selection system is further configured to perform seat selection for each flight according to the received seat reservation request and return a seat selection result to the alliance platform. According to the invention, efficient sharing and management of seat information between airlines can be realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of civil aviation computer technology, and in particular to an order processing method and system for interline flights. Background Art

[0002] Civil aviation will realize the construction of an international aviation hub with strong radiation, a first-class aviation service system, and a modern air traffic management system. It can be seen that one of the core standards is to have an aviation hub with strong radiation, and the handling of connecting flights is the core business function of the hub airport. The transfer and connecting business is an important component of the aviation transportation industry. It plays an important role in the construction of airline hub airports, convenient travel for passengers, and the improvement of aviation service capabilities. It helps to comprehensively improve the quality of transfer services and the service experience of passengers' transfer travel, greatly increase passengers' willingness to travel, stimulate the potential of the aviation market, and bring new profit growth points to airlines.

[0003] The survey found that passengers want to be able to select seats in advance throughout the journey when booking with multiple interline airlines. Passengers hope to view the seat map and select the seats they want, including free seats (i.e. free or reward seats) and paid seats (i.e. paid seats) when booking. However, passengers can usually only view and select seats of the selling airline. When these passengers try to select another interline airline to view the seat map and select seats for the connecting segment, or check the seat map of the code-sharing flight, they often receive messages such as "Please contact another airline to assign seats", which greatly affects the travel experience of passengers.

[0004] In the traditional point-to-point interaction mode, each pair of airlines needs to establish an independent communication channel, which not only increases the complexity of the system, but also may cause delays and errors in information transmission. Therefore, it is urgent to provide a new type of interline flight free seat selection order processing system and its method, device and storage medium to solve the above problems. Summary of the invention

[0005] In view of the above problems, the present invention provides an order processing system for free seat selection on interline flights and its method, device and storage medium, which can realize efficient sharing and management of seat information between airlines.

[0006] In order to solve the above technical problems, a technical solution adopted by the present invention is to provide an order processing method for interline flights, the method comprising:

[0007] The airline seat selection system receives a seat reservation request from the alliance platform; wherein the seat reservation request includes a seat request for each of a plurality of flights, and the plurality of flights are flights of different airlines;

[0008] The airline seat selection system selects seats for each flight according to the received seat reservation request, and returns the seat selection result to the alliance platform.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the external connection port module of the airline seat selection system receives the seat reservation request from the alliance platform and sends it to the reservation interaction system module of the airline seat selection system;

[0010] The reservation interaction system module of the airline seat selection system selects seats for each flight and returns the seat selection result to the alliance platform through the external connection port module.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method includes a flight seat query step, and the flight seat query step includes:

[0012] The airline seat selection system receives a first flight seat query request from the alliance platform, wherein the first flight seat query request includes a request to query one or more flight seat information of one or more airlines in the airline seat selection system; after receiving the first flight seat query request, the airline seat selection system sends the one or more flight seat information of one or more airlines requested in the first flight seat query request to the alliance platform; and / or

[0013] The airline seat selection system sends a second flight seat query request to the alliance platform, wherein the second flight seat query request includes a request to query one or more flight seat information of one or more airlines in the alliance platform; after receiving the second flight seat query request, the alliance platform sends the one or more flight seat information of one or more airlines requested in the second flight seat query request to the airline seat selection system.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method includes a flight seat change step, and the flight seat change step includes:

[0015] The airline seat selection system receives a first flight seat change request from an alliance platform, wherein the first flight seat change request includes a request to change one or more flight seat information of one or more airlines in the airline seat selection system; after receiving the first flight seat change request, the airline seat selection system sends the one or more flight seat information of one or more airlines requested to be changed in the first flight seat change request to the corresponding flight system for seat change, and feeds back the seat change result to the alliance platform.

[0016] Furthermore, data is transmitted between the airline seat selection system and the alliance platform via HTTPS.

[0017] Furthermore, the airline seat selection system performs authority verification, inventory deduction and / or original seat release on seat reservation requests and seat change requests.

[0018] In order to solve the above technical problems, another technical solution adopted by the present invention is to provide an order processing system for interline flights, the system comprising an airline seat selection system and a receiving alliance platform, wherein:

[0019] An airline seat selection system is configured to receive a seat reservation request from the alliance platform; wherein the seat reservation request includes a seat request for each of a plurality of flights, and the plurality of flights are flights of different airlines;

[0020] The airline seat selection system is also configured to select seats for each flight according to the received seat reservation request and return the seat selection result to the alliance platform.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the airline seat selection system includes an external connection interface module and a reservation interaction system module, wherein:

[0022] The external connection port module is configured to receive the seat reservation request from the alliance platform and send it to the reservation interaction system module;

[0023] The reservation interaction system module is configured to select seats for each flight and return the seat selection result to the alliance platform through the external connection port module.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the airline seat selection system is further configured to receive a first flight seat query request from an alliance platform, wherein the first flight seat query request includes a request to query one or more flight seat information of one or more airlines in the airline seat selection system; after receiving the first flight seat query request, the airline seat selection system sends the one or more flight seat information of one or more airlines requested in the first flight seat query request to the alliance platform; and / or

[0025] The airline seat selection system is also configured to send a second flight seat query request to the alliance platform, wherein the second flight seat query request includes a request to query one or more flight seat information of one or more airlines in the alliance platform; after receiving the second flight seat query request, the alliance platform sends the one or more flight seat information of one or more airlines requested in the second flight seat query request to the airline seat selection system.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the airline seat selection system is further configured to receive a first flight seat change request from an alliance platform, wherein the first flight seat change request includes a request to change one or more flight seat information of one or more airlines in the airline seat selection system; after receiving the first flight seat change request, the airline seat selection system sends the one or more flight seat information of one or more airlines requested to be changed in the first flight seat change request to the corresponding flight system for seat change, and feeds back the seat change result to the alliance platform.

[0027] The system of the present invention realizes the ability of alliance member airlines to query, book and change Air China seats (i.e., the incoming direction) through interaction with the Star Alliance DSP platform, and also supports Air China's function of querying and booking seats of alliance member airlines (i.e., the outgoing direction). This new model uses China Aviation Information and Star Alliance as dual-end nodes to create a unified free seat service interface for booking flights, replacing the traditional point-to-point interaction mode, and realizing a two-way five-scenario free seat selection service, greatly simplifying the business interaction process. With the rapid development of the civil aviation market and airline intermodal operations, this system is of great significance for airlines to formulate market sales strategies. It not only helps airlines design transit intermodal products that are more in line with market demand, but also is a concrete manifestation of the airport's transit business guarantee capabilities, which can effectively attract transit passenger traffic, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of airline hub airports. The launch of this system marks that China Aviation Information plays an important role in the digitalization of civil aviation and provides an effective solution for the modernization and transformation of the global civil aviation industry;

[0028] Through the cooperation between China Aviation Information and Star Alliance, the present invention allows airlines in the alliance to query and book Air China's seat resources in real time through the DSP platform, a single entrance, and vice versa. This centralized management method not only reduces the communication costs between airlines, but also promotes a more reasonable allocation of resources, ensuring that passengers can enjoy more convenient and personalized services. In addition, the system also pays special attention to user experience to ensure the transparency and smoothness of the seat selection process. Whether it is an alliance member or an Air China passenger, they can easily view and select their favorite seats when purchasing tickets, thereby improving overall travel satisfaction.

[0029] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be described in the following description, and partly become apparent from the description, or understood by practicing the present invention. The purpose and other advantages of the present invention can be realized and obtained by the structures pointed out in the description, claims and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative work.

[0031] Figure 1 The overall structural block diagram of the order processing system for free seat selection of interline flights of the present invention is shown;

[0032] Figure 2 The architecture diagram of the incoming direction seat map query function module is shown;

[0033] Figure 3 The architecture diagram of the incoming direction seat reservation function module is shown;

[0034] Figure 4 The architecture diagram of the incoming direction seat change function module is shown;

[0035] Figure 5 The architecture diagram of the Outgoing direction seat map query function module is shown;

[0036] Figure 6 The architecture diagram of the Outgoing seat reservation function module is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solution in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0038] This application is applicable to the free seat selection function of interline flights between civil aviation reservation system airlines and foreign airline systems. First, the concepts involved in this application are explained:

[0039] Interline flights: A flight plan consisting of two or more different flights, usually operated by two or more airlines to provide a seamless travel experience. It is usually divided into two categories: ONLINE connections are connecting flights of the same airline; INTERLINE connections are connecting flights between different airlines. In this application, the China Travel Information Free Seat Selection System is used as an example of an airline seat selection system, and the Star Alliance Digital Service Platform (DSP) is used as an alliance platform for illustrative explanation, but it is not limited to China Travel Information.

[0040] See also Figure 1 , the embodiment of the present invention includes:

[0041] An order processing system for free seat selection of interline flights includes an incoming direction seat map query function module, an incoming direction seat reservation function module, an incoming direction seat change function module, an outgoing direction seat map query function module, and an outgoing direction seat reservation function module, which are composed of the Star Alliance member airline system, the China Air Transport Information Network free seat selection system, and the Star Alliance DSP platform. The Star Alliance DSP platform establishes mutual communication between the Star Alliance member airlines and the China Air Transport Information Network free seat selection system, and uses the Star Alliance DSP (Digital Service Platform, DSP, hereinafter referred to as DSP) platform to allow passengers to view the seat map of interline airlines or code-sharing flights and select available seats.

[0042] The incoming direction seat map query function module, the incoming direction seat reservation function module, and the incoming direction seat change function module are used to realize the functions of querying, booking and changing Air China seats for Star Alliance member airlines; the outgoing direction seat map query function module and the outgoing direction seat reservation function module realize the functions of Air China querying and booking seats for Star Alliance member airlines; thereby realizing the functions of supporting passengers to view the seat map of connecting flights and select free seats when booking connecting flights.

[0043] In the entire seat selection activity, China Aviation Information Network's seat selection system plays the role of the core engine. Through precise collaboration with the Star Alliance DSP platform, it realizes the efficient management of seat resources between alliance member airlines and China Aviation Information Network's managed airlines.

[0044] The free seat selection function for interline flights mainly involves two APIs: seat map view seatMap and seat application seatAssign;

[0045] 1. The selling airline sends a seatMap request to the DSP → the DSP transmits this request to the corresponding supplying airline;

[0046] 2. The supplier airline sends a seatMap response to the DSP → the DSP transmits the response back to the seller;

[0047] 3. The selling airline sends a seatAssign request to the DSP → the DSP transmits this request to the corresponding supplying airline;

[0048] 4. The supplying airline sends a seatAssign response to the DSP → the DSP transmits the response back to the seller, confirming the assignment (or non-assignment) of the requested seat.

[0049] In this application, a request, such as a seat inquiry request, a seat reservation request and a seat change request, is a seat inquiry, reservation and change request for different flights or even different airlines (referred to as airlines, such as AC for Air Canada, NZ for Air New Zealand, UA for United Airlines, ZH for Shenzhen Airlines, and CA for Air China).

[0050] Combination Figure 2 The Incoming direction seat map query function module is designed for Star Alliance member airlines to query the seat map of China TravelSky managed airlines. It uses the HTTPS protocol for two-way communication. The Star Alliance DSP platform sends a map query request message to the China TravelSky TLH (Travelsky LinkHub core system external connection interface, hereinafter referred to as TLH) module in accordance with the StarDSP_Seats_SMI V1.2 protocol, and then the China TravelSky TLH module forwards it to the OE (OrderExchange reservation interaction system, hereinafter referred to as OE) module for processing. The OE module completes the specific implementation details of parsing requests, authority verification, seat map information processing logic, seat map generation and standardization, and then transmits the generated seat map back to the Star Alliance DSP platform through the TLH module, thereby realizing the Incoming direction seat map query. This function is implemented by the TravelSky free seat selection system for authority verification, seat map generation, standardization of seat maps, etc., and the Star Alliance DSP platform is responsible for distributing it to each member airline.

[0051] Combination Figure 3The Incoming direction seat reservation function module is a function module designed for Star Alliance member airlines to reserve seats for China Aviation Information Network managed airlines. Star Alliance member airlines confirm the seat that the user needs to select through the results of the seat map displayed by the query and send the corresponding seat reservation request message to China Aviation Information Network TLH module in accordance with the StarDSP_Seats_SAI V1.2 protocol. The TLH module then forwards it to the OE module for seat selection. The OE module interacts with the SEAT (Seat Management System, hereinafter referred to as SEAT), CTR (Customer Travel Record, hereinafter referred to as CTR), and ICS (Inventory Control System, hereinafter referred to as ICS) subsystems to complete the specific implementation details of request parsing, authority verification, seat occupancy query, seat reservation, inventory deduction, TTY (Teletype telegram, hereinafter referred to as TTY) message synchronization PNR (Passenger Name Record, hereinafter referred to as PNR) information and standardization. After success, it returns to each member airline from the original link to complete the seat reservation. This function is implemented by the Air China free seat selection system, which is responsible for performing authority verification, PNR verification, inventory deduction and other functions, and returns the TTY synchronization message to each member airline. The DSP platform is responsible for distributing it to each member airline.

[0052] Combination Figure 4 The Incoming direction seat change function module is designed for Star Alliance member airlines to change their reserved seats after booking seats with China Aviation Information Network’s managed airlines. The Star Alliance DSP platform will send a seat change message to China Aviation Information Network’s free seat selection system in accordance with the StarDSP_Seats_SCI V1.2 interface protocol. The seat change message must include the original seat and the changed seat. China Aviation Information Network’s free seat selection system sends the message to the OE module through the TLH module, and the OE module completes the specific implementation details of parsing requests, authority verification, seat occupancy query, seat reservation, inventory deduction, original seat release, TTY message synchronization PNR information and standardization, and finally returns the change result to the Star Alliance DSP platform, which is then distributed to each member airline by the Star Alliance DSP platform. At the same time, China Aviation Information Network’s free seat selection system returns the TTY synchronization message and distributes it to each member airline.

[0053] Combination Figure 5The outgoing direction seat map query function module is designed for China Aviation Information Network's managed airlines to query the seat maps of Star Alliance member airlines. Air China and other airlines send the query request to China Aviation Information Network's free seat selection system through IBE (E-commerceBuilder Interface Internet Booking Business Interface, hereinafter referred to as IBE) and SAT (Service API of TravelSky Transaction Service Interface, hereinafter referred to as SAT). The OE module and TLH module then send the request message that complies with the seatMap-v2experimental interface protocol to the Star Alliance DSP platform through the https protocol. The Star Alliance DSP platform converts it into the interface protocol required by each member airline and sends it to each airline. The query result is then sent back to China Aviation Information Network's free seat selection system to complete the seat map query function.

[0054] Combination Figure 6 The outgoing direction seat booking function module is a function module designed for China Aviation Information Technology's managed airlines to book seats for Star Alliance member airlines. Air China and other airlines send the seats to be booked to China Aviation Information Technology's free seat selection system, which sends the request message from the OE module and the TLH module to the Star Alliance DSP platform through the seatAssign-v2 experimental interface protocol. The Star Alliance DSP platform converts it into the interface protocol required by each member airline and sends it to each airline. Then, the booking result is sent back to China Aviation Information Technology's free seat selection system through a TTY message to complete the seat booking function.

[0055] The free seat selection system jointly created by TravelSky and Star Alliance has created a new booking model. The core of this model is to achieve efficient sharing and management of seat information between airlines through two key platforms - TravelSky's free seat selection system and Star Alliance's DSP platform. This new model not only covers core functions such as seat map viewing, seat reservation, and seat change, but also introduces standardized interfaces and automated workflows in the process of realizing these functions, greatly simplifying business interactions between airlines and improving the accuracy and efficiency of operations.

[0056] Through the cooperation between TravelSky and Star Alliance, airlines in the alliance can now use the DSP platform as a single entry point to query and book Air China's seat resources in real time, and vice versa. This centralized management method not only reduces the communication costs between airlines, but also promotes a more reasonable allocation of resources, ensuring that passengers can enjoy more convenient and personalized services. In addition, the system also pays special attention to user experience to ensure the transparency and smoothness of the seat selection process. Whether it is an alliance member or an Air China passenger, they can easily view and select their favorite seats when purchasing tickets, thereby improving overall travel satisfaction.

[0057] The example of the present invention also provides an order processing method using the order processing system for free seat selection of interline flights, including seat map viewing (seatMap) and seat application (seatAssign), which constitutes a complete process from inquiry to booking. Using the Star Alliance DSP platform, passengers are allowed to view the seat map of interline airlines or code-sharing flights and select available seats, wherein the Star Alliance member airline system and the China Travel Information Free Seat Selection System are the seller or supplier airlines.

[0058] (1) Seat map view request and response:

[0059] (1.1) The selling airline first sends a seat map request containing flight information to the Star Alliance DSP platform;

[0060] (1.2) The Star Alliance DSP platform identifies the flight details and forwards the request to the corresponding supplying airline;

[0061] (1.3) The supplying airline generates a seat map, indicates the seat status, including whether it is booked or available, and encapsulates it into a response, which is sent back to the seller via the Star Alliance DSP platform;

[0062] (1.4) The seller receives and parses the response and displays the seat map for passengers to choose;

[0063] (2) Seat application request and response:

[0064] (2.1) After the passenger selects a seat, the selling airline constructs a seat request containing the seat information and sends it to the supplier through the Star Alliance DSP platform;

[0065] (2.2) The supplying airline verifies seat availability, blocks the seat if it is not booked, updates the database, and generates a confirmation response.

[0066] (2.3) The confirmation information is sent back to the seller via the Star Alliance DSP platform. The seller updates the passenger's order, confirms the seat selection, and sends a confirmation email or SMS to the passenger.

[0067] This process ensures real-time updates of seat information and accurate bookings. It also simplifies interactions between airlines and improves passenger experience through the intermediary role of the Star Alliance DSP platform.

[0068] An example of the present invention also provides an order processing device for free seat selection on interline flights, comprising a memory and a processor, wherein the memory is used to store at least one program, and the processor is used to load the at least one program to execute the method described above.

[0069] An embodiment of the present invention further provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which processor-executable instructions are stored. When the processor-executable instructions are executed by the processor, they are used to execute the method described above.

[0070] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features therein; and these modifications or substitutions do not make the essence of the corresponding technical solutions deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for processing orders for interline flights, characterized in that: The method comprises, The airline seat selection system receives a seat reservation request from the alliance platform; wherein the seat reservation request includes a seat request for each of a plurality of flights, and the plurality of flights are flights of different airlines; The airline seat selection system selects seats for each flight according to the received seat reservation request, and returns the seat selection result to the alliance platform.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The external connection port module of the airline seat selection system receives the seat reservation request from the alliance platform and sends it to the reservation interaction system module of the airline seat selection system; The reservation interaction system module of the airline seat selection system selects seats for each flight and returns the seat selection result to the alliance platform through the external connection port module.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The method comprises a flight seat query step, wherein the flight seat query step comprises: The airline seat selection system receives a first flight seat query request from the alliance platform, wherein the first flight seat query request includes a request to query one or more flight seat information of one or more airlines in the airline seat selection system; after receiving the first flight seat query request, the airline seat selection system sends the one or more flight seat information of one or more airlines requested in the first flight seat query request to the alliance platform; and / or The airline seat selection system sends a second flight seat query request to the alliance platform, wherein the second flight seat query request includes a request to query one or more flight seat information of one or more airlines in the alliance platform; after receiving the second flight seat query request, the alliance platform sends the one or more flight seat information of one or more airlines requested in the second flight seat query request to the airline seat selection system.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The method includes a flight seat changing step, and the flight seat changing step includes: The airline seat selection system receives a first flight seat change request from an alliance platform, wherein the first flight seat change request includes a request to change one or more flight seat information of one or more airlines in the airline seat selection system; after receiving the first flight seat change request, the airline seat selection system sends the one or more flight seat information of one or more airlines requested to be changed in the first flight seat change request to the corresponding flight system for seat change, and feeds back the seat change result to the alliance platform.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: Data is transmitted between the airline seat selection system and the alliance platform via HTTPS.

6. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The airline seat selection system performs authority verification, inventory deduction and / or original seat release on seat reservation requests and seat change requests.

7. An order processing system for interline flights, characterized in that: The system includes an airline seat selection system and a receiving alliance platform, wherein: An airline seat selection system is configured to receive a seat reservation request from the alliance platform; wherein the seat reservation request includes a seat request for each of a plurality of flights, and the plurality of flights are flights of different airlines; The airline seat selection system is also configured to select seats for each flight according to the received seat reservation request and return the seat selection result to the alliance platform.

8. The system according to claim 7, characterized in that The airline seat selection system includes an external connection interface module and a reservation interaction system module, wherein: The external connection port module is configured to receive the seat reservation request from the alliance platform and send it to the reservation interaction system module; The reservation interaction system module is configured to select seats for each flight and return the seat selection result to the alliance platform through the external connection port module.

9. The system according to claim 7, characterized in that The airline seat selection system is further configured to receive a first flight seat query request from the alliance platform, wherein the first flight seat query request includes a request to query one or more flight seat information of one or more airlines in the airline seat selection system; after receiving the first flight seat query request, the airline seat selection system sends the one or more flight seat information of one or more airlines requested in the first flight seat query request to the alliance platform; and / or The airline seat selection system is also configured to send a second flight seat query request to the alliance platform, wherein the second flight seat query request includes a request to query one or more flight seat information of one or more airlines in the alliance platform; after receiving the second flight seat query request, the alliance platform sends the one or more flight seat information of one or more airlines requested in the second flight seat query request to the airline seat selection system.

10. The system according to claim 7, characterized in that The airline seat selection system is also configured to receive a first flight seat change request from an alliance platform, wherein the first flight seat change request includes a request to change one or more flight seat information of one or more airlines in the airline seat selection system; after receiving the first flight seat change request, the airline seat selection system sends the one or more flight seat information of one or more airlines requested to be changed in the first flight seat change request to the corresponding flight system for seat change, and feeds back the seat change result to the alliance platform.

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