Advance Passenger Information (API)
[Reference to IACAO Annex 9, Chapter 9, Section B] – Advance Passenger Information (API) systems are critical for modern aviation security and facilitation. API involves the electronic capture of a passenger’s biographic data and flight details by the airline before departure, which is then sent to the relevant authorities in the destination country. This allows authorities to vet passengers before their arrival, enhancing border control and security.
Key Elements of API Systems
- Legal Framework: All Contracting States must establish API systems supported by appropriate legal authority such as legislation or regulations, and these must align with internationally recognized API standards.
- International Standards: The transmission of API data must conform to standards developed by organizations like the World Customs Organization (WCO), International Air Transport Association (IATA), and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). These standards include using the UN/EDIFACT PAXLST message for sending passenger manifests electronically.
- Data Elements: The API data transmitted must be limited to information available in machine-readable travel documents. Only necessary details that can be scanned from the document should be collected, reducing administrative burdens and errors.
- Minimizing Penalties: States are encouraged not to penalize airlines for minor errors or system malfunctions that lead to inconsistencies in the data transmission.
- Integration with Other Systems: Contracting States are encouraged to reduce the number of API transmissions per flight and avoid imposing redundant requirements, such as both electronic and paper submissions.
Global Implementation and Regional Approaches
- United Nations Security Council mandates API implementation, urging member states to detect individuals involved in terrorism or crime through API systems.
- Schengen Area: The Schengen zone uses API as part of its broader border control strategy. Schengen countries share intelligence and passenger data, integrating API with regional data systems to manage external borders effectively.
- United States and Canada: Both countries have robust API systems, often referred to as Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) programs, ensuring that data is sent before the passenger boards the plane. Their API frameworks also incorporate Passenger Name Record (PNR) data, extending the level of pre-arrival vetting.
- Asia-Pacific: Many nations, such as Australia and Japan, employ API with additional layers of vetting through iAPI (interactive API), where feedback is provided to airlines in real-time during check-in. This system further ensures passengers are cleared before boarding.
- Interactive API (iAPI): Many states, including members of the European Union, are progressively adopting iAPI, which enables a dynamic exchange of data, allowing for faster real-time decisions on passenger admissibility.
Conclusion
The global adoption of API systems is a significant step forward in aviation security and facilitation. By streamlining the transmission of passenger data and implementing internationally recognized standards, countries can enhance security while minimizing administrative burdens on airlines. The transition towards interactive systems (iAPI) reflects the ongoing evolution of border security in the digital age, promoting efficiency and security across jurisdictions.