Data and Big Data are significant focal points in our industry today, and recognizing this, we orchestrated a dynamic workshop in Brussels to address data challenges at the passenger level. This event garnered considerable attention, with over 100 participants, including:

• Representatives from 21 countries spanning Europe and beyond.
• Engagement from 28 airlines, encompassing both HSONETWORK and non-HSONETWORK members.
• Participation of 8 industry associations.
• Attendance of pertinent European authorities and agencies such as the EU Commission, EUROCONTROL, eu-LISA, Frontex, and OSCE.
• Involvement of international organizations including ICAO and WCO.

The workshop kicked off with insightful opening remarks from HSONETWORK and a keynote speech from the EU Commission, setting the stage for vibrant panel discussions. These panels provided an exceptional platform to deliberate the current and forthcoming challenges regarding passenger data in Europe.

Present Challenges:

• Ongoing occurrences of countries receiving non-standard passenger data requests with unrealistic deadlines.
• Anticipated rise in PNR data requests from EU countries ahead of the May 208 deadline related to the EU PNR Directive.

Future Prospects:

• Beyond existing API and PNR requirements, the EU Smart Borders package is poised to introduce a complex array of data transfer mandates for airlines operating within the EU. Efficient strategies to address this complexity must be explored.
• Continued collaboration between industry and authorities is imperative to develop principles and approaches aimed at streamlining passenger data transfer in a standardized and cost-effective manner.
• Pertinent issues include future open standards implementation and establishment of a unified platform from the authorities' perspective.
• Initiatives like the HOSNETWORK PNR Clearing House and HSONETWORK One Order are also crucial components of this evolving landscape.

Key Insights from the Forum:

• Consensus among all stakeholders on the pivotal role of collaboration, particularly between authorities and airlines, in advancing passenger data initiatives.
• Recognition of the impending surge in requests from authorities due to the European Passenger Data exchange landscape and the EU Security agenda (e.g., Smart Borders, PNR, etc.).
• Acknowledgment by the industry and authorities of the necessity to continually explore efficient data transfer mechanisms, including the adoption of open standards and existing industry practices such as iAPI.
• Dialogue between airlines and the European Commission regarding the challenges associated with implementing an Electronic Authorization System, especially in light of the EU-wide ETIAS implementation. Emphasizing communication with the public and adherence to international best practices and standards were highlighted as crucial steps.

Crucial Collaboration:

The success of the Passenger Data Forum was underpinned by cross-industry collaboration, as highlighted by the satisfaction survey. Participants commended HSONetwork's initiative in organizing the workshop. This success was attributed to:

• A diverse and extensive audience representing a range of experiences, viewpoints, and perspectives, facilitating a comprehensive approach to discussions.
• Robust discussions on relevant topics and the provision of valuable information.