Spec 2000 is a comprehensive set of data exchange standards that are developed and maintained by the
ATA e-Business Program and its member airlines, manufacturers, distributors, lessors, MROs and technology providers. Widely adopted by the commercial aviation industry, Spec 2000 standards have served the industry for over sixty years and have evolved to embrace the latest technological advances in information exchange. By streamlining business processes and reducing administrative costs, Spec 2000 has grown to become the backbone of the aviation industry's e-Business processes and data exchange practices. As a result, the industry has attributed significant operational efficiencies and cost savings to these standards. As more trading partners embrace Spec 2000, the standards become increasingly more valuable to its users and the industry.
The term “Spec 2000” is often used loosely. It is sometimes used to refer to the full suite of Spec 2000 standards (see below) but is also used to refer to a particular component or chapter of the specifications. It is also used to refer to an internally developed solution or third-party product that leverages these same standards. If a trading partner asks if you are Spec 2000 capable or compliant, be sure to understand what area of the specification to which they are referring.