OAG: The Evolution of Global Aviation Data and Analytics
In the complex world of global aviation, accurate data is the backbone of efficiency. OAG has established itself as a critical provider of flight schedules and analytical tools, evolving through various ownerships and technological leaps to support airlines, travel agencies, and distribution systems worldwide.
Key Facts
- Core Services: Provides airline schedules, Minimum Connection Times (MCTs), and real-time flight information.
- Strategic Partners: Collaborates with major Global Distribution Systems (GDS) including Amadeus, Travelport, and TravelSky.
- Industry Standards: Maintains a strategic partnership with IATA, contributing to the SSIM Standards Board.
- Analytical Tools: Operates the Punctuality League and specialized tools like OAG Analyser and Traffic Analyser.
- Current Ownership: Acquired by British investment firm Vitruvian Partners in February 2017.
Corporate History and Ownership
The ownership of OAG has shifted several times over the last two decades, reflecting the changing landscape of data valuation in the travel sector. In 2001, Reed Elsevier sold OAG to Electra Private Equity. By December 2006, United Business Media (UBM) acquired the company to bolster its interests in travel, transportation, and aviation.
The relationship with Electra Private Equity returned in 2013 when UBM sold the majority of its data business to the firm, leading to the formation of the AXIO Data Group. More recently, on February 16, 2017, OAG was acquired by the British investment firm Vitruvian Partners.
Technological Advancements and Strategic Partnerships
OAG has consistently expanded its technical capabilities to meet the needs of the modern travel industry. In 2009, the company began supplying airline schedules and Minimum Connection Times (MCTs)—the shortest time required for passengers to transfer between flights—to the Global Distribution System (GDS) Travelport. OAG also maintains partnerships with other leading GDS providers, Amadeus and TravelSky.
A significant milestone occurred in June 2010 with the creation of Schedules Dynamic. This technology allows OAG to deliver real-time schedule changes to reservation systems, Online Travel Agencies (OTAs), and GDSs, ensuring that booking data remains current.
Beyond distribution, OAG works closely with the International Air Transport Association (IATA), contributing its expertise to the SSIM (Standard Schedules Information Manual) Standards Board and various working groups to maintain global industry consistency.
Expansion into Analytics and Flight Data
Starting in 2012, OAG shifted toward deeper data insights. The launch of OAG Analyser provided an online tool for airline schedule analysis, followed in 2013 by Traffic Analyser, developed in partnership with Travelport.
To further its real-time capabilities, OAG acquired Flight view in 2014, a provider of real-time flight information solutions. Conversely, in November 2015, OAG divested its MRO Network—which focused on aviation exhibitions and publications—selling it to Penton (now part of the Aviation Week Network owned by Informa).
In 2014, the company introduced the Punctuality League, an annual report detailing the on-time performance of the world's largest airports and airlines. OAG also provides annual data on the most profitable and busiest routes globally.
Recent Developments and Pandemic Response
OAG continues to grow its global footprint, evidenced by the opening of a technology development centre in Kaunas, Lithuania, in September 2018.
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of OAG's data. In January 2020, the company released its first analysis regarding the pandemic's impact on Asia and China, specifically focusing on flights from Wuhan. OAG has since provided weekly global aviation market analysis and a recovery tracker that monitors changes in global seat capacity by aircraft and region.
| Year | Event / Product | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | UBM Acquisition | Acquired by United Business Media to strengthen travel interests. |
| 2010 | Schedules Dynamic | Technology for real-time schedule updates to OTAs and GDSs. |
| 2012 | OAG Analyser | Online tool for airline schedule analysis. |
| 2013 | Traffic Analyser | Analytical suite developed with Travelport. |
| 2014 | Punctuality League | Annual reporting on airline and airport on-time performance. |
| 2017 | Vitruvian Partners | Acquisition by the British investment firm. |
| 2020 | COVID-19 Recovery Tracker | Analysis of global seat capacity and pandemic impact. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Punctuality League?
Launched in 2014, the Punctuality League is an annual analysis by OAG that ranks the on-time performance of the world's largest airlines and airports.
Which GDS providers does OAG partner with?
OAG partners with the world's largest Global Distribution Systems, including Amadeus, Travelport, and TravelSky.
What is the purpose of the Schedules Dynamic technology?
Introduced in 2010, Schedules Dynamic is designed to deliver the most current airline schedule changes to reservation systems, GDSs, and Online Travel Agencies (OTAs).
How did OAG contribute to COVID-19 aviation analysis?
OAG released early data on flights from Wuhan in January 2020 and continues to provide weekly analysis and a recovery tracker monitoring global seat capacity by region and aircraft.
Who currently owns OAG?
OAG was purchased by the British investment firm Vitruvian Partners on February 16, 2017.