--- source_url: "https://www.iata.org/en/programs/airline-distribution/retailing/future-of-interline/multilateral-interline-framework/?utm_source=openai" title: IATA - Multilateral Interline Framework mirrored_at: 2026-08-10T15:38:49.036Z host: www.iata.org cited_in_42a: true mirror_canonical: "https://index.42a.ai/www.iata.org/en/programs/airline-distribution/retailing/future-of-interline/multilateral-interline-framework/index__q__utm_source_openai" --- > **Original source:** https://www.iata.org/en/programs/airline-distribution/retailing/future-of-interline/multilateral-interline-framework/?utm_source=openai ### The Journey of Interlining The IATA Interline framework originated as international markets were liberalized and competition increased. Since then multilateral interline continued to be important, but has evolved. Interline now occurs more within closer commercial arrangements such as codeshare agreements, joint ventures (JVs) and alliance groupings. Today, IATA interline framework relies on IATA standards to support common processes around scheduling, reservations, ticketing, pricing, baggage, departure control, irregular operations, interline billing and settlement. The global COVID-19 pandemic has led to most airlines suspending scheduled passenger operations so new interline relationships may be a key enabler of industry recovery.  ### **Webinars** - Important updates on Interline Standards: Multilateral Interline Framework and New Retailer-Supplier Framework This webinar provided an overview on the main changes in the interline standards that will become effective 1 June 2021, including the new Standard Retailer Supplier Interline Agreement (SRSIA) Recommended Practice and how this new framework and standards aim to support airlines in establishing new interline partnerships with new types of partners. Recordings are available on [YouTube](https://youtu.be/ccnl_jX9IZs) and [Youku.com](https://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XNTg0OTk5MjE3Mg==.html). Please also check our [FAQs](https://www.iata.org/contentassets/e7a533819be440edbb1e49da96e0f2a8/webinar-important-changes-mita-faq.pdf) (pdf) for more information. - Changes to Multilateral Interline Traffic Agreement (MITA) This webinar provided an overview on the main changes in the interline standards that will become effective 1 June 2021, and the new interline contact features now available the IATA MITA Customer Portal. Recordings are available on [YouTube](https://youtu.be/tETJbSVXgz8) and [Youku.com](https://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XNTExOTAzMDgwMA==.html). Please also check our [FAQs](https://www.iata.org/contentassets/e7a533819be440edbb1e49da96e0f2a8/webinar-important-changes-mita-faq.pdf) (pdf) for more information. - New Partnerships, New Partners, New Opportunities! New interline partnerships are a key enabler of recovery! Our members have been working on improving the multilateral interline framework as new partnerships should be quicker and simpler to establish. System providers are also innovating in this space. During this webinar they have presented how their solutions facilitate seamless contact between partners. [Recordings](https://www.iata.org/contentassets/e7a533819be440edbb1e49da96e0f2a8/new-partnerships-new-partners-new-opportunities.pdf) (pdf) are available. - Reinvigoration of the Multilateral Interline Framework This webinar provided an overview on the current interline framework, tools available to support interline as well as the work that is underway with member airlines to simplify the formation of new interline partnerships. [Recordings](https://www.iata.org/contentassets/e7a533819be440edbb1e49da96e0f2a8/industry-restart-reinvigoration-of-the-multilateral-interline-framework-webcast-recording.docx.pdf) (pdf) are available. Please also check our [FAQs list](https://www.iata.org/contentassets/e7a533819be440edbb1e49da96e0f2a8/faqs.pdf) (pdf) to get more insights.  ### Current Interline Framework IATA interline framework facilitates a standard model of interline that is used between IATA member airlines and as well by other airlines. - [Information paper for airlines](https://www.iata.org/contentassets/e7a533819be440edbb1e49da96e0f2a8/industry-restart-new-partnerships-in-interline-framework.pdf) (pdf) IATA aims to educate throughout this document on the tools already available today to enable industry restart through multilateral interlining.    - IATA Multilateral Interline Traffic Agreement (MITA) MITA standard is a single interline agreement which establishes the legal framework and describes responsibilities, liability provisions and general procedural obligations under which IATA and non-IATA member airlines may concur to create partnership agreements. MITA will be further enhanced to enable faster and seamless engagement between parties. - IATA Prorate Agency administers other multilateral agreements Airlines engaged in the interlining of passengers and cargo depend on settlement agreements to assist in the determination of each airline's revenue. These agreements are referred to as the Multilateral Prorate Agreement-Passenger (MPA-P) and the Multilateral Prorate Agreement-Cargo (MPA-C). More about [Prorate Manuals](https://www.iata.org/en/services/finance/prorate-manuals/) ### **Transition pathways and alternative interline models** Different interline models are emerging and one of these models is often referred to as _Virtual Interline_. When exploring it, airlines may wish to ensure that commercial agreements and agreed processes are in place and the [Virtual Interline Considerations](https://www.iata.org/contentassets/e7a533819be440edbb1e49da96e0f2a8/virtual-interline-considerations-for-airlines.pdf) (pdf) paper for airline aims to highlight some of these matters. ### **Future of Interline** The IATA Distribution Advisory Council has initiated a work package to explore changes to the current interline framework. This will involve explorations into the legal, financial, distribution and operational frameworks that support partnerships within the industry. More information on the status of the discussions is available on [IATA Future of Interline](https://www.iata.org/en/programs/airline-distribution/retailing/future-of-interline/ "IATA Future of Interline").  ### Industry standards simplify common processes, reduce cost and complexity  Learn how [IATA Pa](https://www.iata.org/en/about/corporate-structure/passenger-standards-conference/)[ssenger Standards](https://www.iata.org/en/about/corporate-structure/passenger-standards-conference/) are developed. ### **Resolution changes and new Recommended Practices** At the direction of the IATA Board of Governors, IATA member airlines are exploring opportunities to reinvigorate the IATA multilateral interline framework which may be key for industry restart as it creates opportunities to pursue new and more varied relationships to support networks and maintain connectivity. All these related interline activities are driven by the [IATA Interline Group](https://www.iata.org/en/about/corporate-structure/passenger-standards-conference/plan/) under the Plan Standards Board.  ### Considerations for airlines in case of Interline Disruption situations can be an opportunity for airlines to provide an overall excellent customer experience. The [Guidance paper on Irregular Operations (IROPs)](https://www.iata.org/contentassets/e7a533819be440edbb1e49da96e0f2a8/guidance-document-interline-irops_25june2020.pdf) (pdf.) for airlines talks about clear and effective processes in place to ensure these situations are handled smoothly to minimize customer distress and inconveniences. Addressing and establishing smooth baggage processes when forming new interline partnerships might be an extensive and challenging task. The [Guidance paper on Baggage Standards for Interlining](https://www.iata.org/contentassets/e7a533819be440edbb1e49da96e0f2a8/guidance-document-on-baggage-standards-for-interline.pdf) (pdf) details the key aspects airlines should consider with their new interline partners and the standard processes to support these discussions.   In case you have questions or you would like to be part of these initiatives [contact us](mailto:standards@iata.org). ### The Intermodal Working Group Stands under the Interline Group and has as a mandate to: - Deal with matters concerning all activities relating to facilitating intermodal passenger processes including the associated business requirements. - Review and endorse proposals to create or amend standards governing these processes. Ensure that proposals align with new or existing standards and that requirements and business flows are documented. - Liaise with other process owning groups under any Conference, and advisory groups under Industry Committees (such as Offer, Order, Integration and Ticketing groups) as required. - Maintain a work plan and report regularly to Interline Group and Plan Standard Board. To view and/or participate in the activities under the Intermodal Group, please access the [SSW Intermodal Working Group](https://standards.iata.org/communities/community-home?CommunityKey=e1c7ff08-7970-43c3-9808-06402fe48ff5).