IATA Accreditation: Strategic Key to BSP, CASS and Direct Partnership with Airlines

Posted by: 25. 2. 2026
Update: 25/2/2026

Obtaining accreditation from International Air Transport Association (IATA) is often seen as a major milestone in aviation and logistics. For travel agencies and freight forwarding companies, it means a shift from the role of a regular intermediary to position of direct business partner of airlines.

In our latest article for EPRAVO.CZ We have analyzed in detail the legal and procedural aspects of this certification. What are the main reasons why it is worth going through this demanding process?

1. Travel: Direct Ticketing and NewGen ISS

For ticket sellers, a signature is key Passenger Sales Agency Agreement (PSAA). That gives you permission to issue airline tickets without the need to use third parties. A key benefit is access to Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP)This centralized system replaces complex bilateral agreements and enables consolidated invoicing, which radically simplifies cash flow.

In this article, we also discuss the new model NewGen ISS (New Generation of IATA Settlement Systems), which has abandoned the "one license fits all" system and offers flexibility according to the agency's risk profile:

GoLite: Ideal for smaller players without the need for high bank guarantees (immediate payment).

GoStandard: The most common model with an assigned limit Remittance Holding Capacity for deferred payments.

GoGlobal/GoEurozone: Solution for multinational agencies with consolidated terms.

2. Cargo: From CASS to custom waybills

For logistics and forwarding, the equivalent is access to Cargo Account Settlement Systems (CASS) a possibility of issuing waybills directly on behalf of carriersFor purely accounting purposes, there is an option CASS Associate, which streamlines financial flows between the freight forwarder and a larger number of airlines.

Don't underestimate preparation: Resolution 812 and 805zz

Although the benefits in the form of prestige and efficiency sound tempting, the barriers to entry are not small. Whether it is travel (mainly governed in Europe) Resolution 812) or cargo (Resolution 805zz), IATA requires precise documentation of financial stability, PCI DSS certifications, and qualified personnel.

Our full article will guide you through the entire accreditation process, including the specifics of financial guarantees and verification of the ownership structure. EPRAVO.CZ <a href="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1932/8043/files/Odstoupeni_od_smlouvy_EN.pdf?v=1595420299" data-gt-href-en="https://en.notsofunnyany.com/">HERE</a>.

——————————————————————————–

Authors of the original text: JUDr. Ing. Jan Vych a Mgr. Kristina Martínková, Vych & Partners, Ltd., law firm

Do you own a travel agency or freight forwarding company and are you considering applying for IATA accreditation? Or do you already have IATA accreditation but would like to take it to the next level? Contact us! We are experts in aviation law and we will help you with everything.