For airlines and aviation service providers, managing massive volumes of invoices and settlements across multiple currencies and standards is a daily challenge—time-consuming, error-prone, and costly. Slow cash flow, high bad debt risks, and squeezed profit margins compound these operational headaches. The industry has long needed a more efficient, secure, and reliable settlement solution to refocus on core business growth.
Enter the IATA Clearing House (ICH), the trusted global clearing center that has become the preferred choice for airlines worldwide. By streamlining invoice processing between airlines, suppliers, travel partners, and non-aviation entities, ICH transforms complex financial operations into fast, accurate, and simplified transactions.
Why Choose IATA Clearing House?
- Industry-Endorsed Standard: As a core component of IATA’s industry settlement system, ICH is recognized and praised by global aviation leaders. Adopting ICH means aligning with industry best practices to gain competitive advantages.
- Massive Transaction Scale: Processing over $60 billion in annual billings, ICH’s robust infrastructure ensures stable and secure settlements, eliminating concerns about fund safety.
- Expansive Network: With 560+ participants—including 330 airlines and 230 suppliers—ICH connects major global markets, offering unmatched opportunities for business expansion.
- Flawless Success Rate: Boasting a 99.999% settlement success rate over three years (reaching 100% in 2024), ICH guarantees fund security and eliminates settlement failure risks.
How ICH Drives Business Growth
Beyond a settlement platform, ICH serves as a profit engine delivering tangible value:
1. Reliable, On-Time Settlements for Optimized Cash Flow
- 100% Timely Payments: Supporting eight currencies, ICH ensures punctual payments to accelerate cash recovery.
- Risk Reduction: Minimizes credit and foreign exchange risks, shielding businesses from currency volatility losses.
- Enhanced Cash Management: Standardized settlement schedules and automated processes streamline debt collection.
2. Digital Automation for Cost Savings
- End-to-End Efficiency: Fully automated invoicing-to-settlement workflows eliminate manual intervention.
- Multi-Currency Speed: Rapid transactions reduce banking fees and unnecessary exchange losses.
- User-Friendly Platform: Intuitive interface enables quick, secure settlements with weekly claim submissions and report retrieval.
3. Predefined Calendars for Operational Efficiency
- SIS Integration: Seamless Simplified Invoicing and Settlement (SIS) linkage ensures fast invoicing, reconciliation, and settlements.
- Centralized Tools: Consolidated settlement mechanisms replace cumbersome processes, backed by a 99.998% decade-long success rate.
Unique Advantages of ICH
- Risk Mitigation: Advanced protections minimize credit risks while simplifying receivables management.
- Offset Flexibility: Offset rights allow adjustments against other funds or credits within IATA processes.
- Default Safeguards: Additional protections activate during bankruptcies or operational halts to secure funds.
- Custom Agreements: Special clearing protocols cater to specific currencies or service categories.
Eligibility for ICH Membership
Beyond airlines, affiliated entities—including ground handlers, system providers, MRO suppliers, logistics firms, fuel companies, and caterers—can join as associate members to simplify billing for approved airline partners.
Future Outlook
As aviation evolves, ICH continues innovating to optimize settlement processes, supporting the industry’s sustainable growth with cutting-edge solutions.