Issue link: https://pros.com/learn/i/1527449
13 2.2 Drive to modularity. In 2024, many of the airlines that TiM has collaborated with are enthusiastic about adopting modularity in their IT systems. Modularity allows airlines to tailor their technology architecture to specific needs and offers the flexibility to swap out individual modules without disrupting the entire ecosystem or undergoing extensive migration projects common with traditional Passenger Service Systems (PSS). The concept of modular platforms The idea of a platform where airlines can plug in modules is not new. Many airlines have built their own platforms connecting various systems like shopping engines, merchandising tools, loyalty programs and customer relationship management. What is new is that the industry aims to industrialise and scale this approach in offer and order management. Rather than a few airlines building their own platforms, existing airline IT vendors are now providing platform-as-a-service (PaaS) offerings that can integrate with various modules. Potential conflicts and vendor flexibility Procuring a platform from an existing vendor can present conflicts, as vendors will naturally promote their own products. Without careful contracting, airlines might lose strategic flexibility to integrate preferred vendors compared to the flexibility obtained when building their own platforms. However, vendors like Sabre and Amadeus have expressed willingness to integrate products from other vendors, signalling a technical openness to multi-vendor platforms. Travel in Motion's focus in 2025 TiM is helping airlines navigate beyond technical willingness, emphasising the importance of commercial and contractual aspects of such platforms. Airlines seek platforms that offer the advantages of buying: like the cost-effectiveness of leveraging developments across multiple customers and maintenance by experienced organisations, while retaining flexibility to integrate chosen vendors and extend functionality according to their strategies. They also expect modern technological practices, such as the ability to implement software changes rapidly through advanced development methods. Jason Balluck, Senior Airline Retail Consultant, Travel in Motion