New Distribution Capability or NDC was launched by IATA for the development and market adoption of a new XML-based transmission standard. This travel industry-supported program enhances communications between airlines and travel agents, third-party, IT provider, non-IATA member, or intermediary. It was created to enable NDC airlines to bring rich content ancillaries directly to OTAs, travel management companies, and other flight booking service providers through a set of APIs.
The GDS retrieves information from various sources in order to obtain specific details about a particular airline. This includes gathering data on availability from the airline’s CRS, rates from an air price repository, and schedules from either OAG or Cirium databases. But NDC airlines have complete control over their inventory, enabling them to modify prices based on market demand. Furthermore, airlines have the authority to determine whether they want to distribute their offerings directly or through a third-party, capable of delivering NDC products.
Advantages of NDC Airlines
As mentioned above, NDC connects airlines, travel agencies or any third-party suppliers. This way, it helps each industry involved to provide rich content to consumers. Here are some key advantages of airlines NDC:
Rich Inventory
Using EDIFACT (Electronic Data Interchange for Administration, Commerce, and Transport) airlines can only distribute limited information. But with NDC, airlines can easily deliver a rich content of data on each flight, that includes excess baggage, extra legroom, in-flight services, day of departure changes and upgrades, carbon offsets, and more.
Not only that, airlines can also provide distributors with photos, comprehensive seat maps, promotional deals, detailed product descriptions, pricing details, etc. This way, third-parties can allow customers to select seats, inflight services, such meal and wifi, different modes of payments, and apply for frequent flyer membership, etc.
Eliminates Dependency on Legacy Systems
Most airlines rely on PSS, which lag modernization. It has a number of limitations, and poor performance is another factor that airlines are now moving on with NDC. It works outside the legacy system and displays information from the PSS database through the airline’s private interface.
Flexible, Real-time Pricing
Airlines Tariff Publishing Company (ATPCO) is a source of pricing data. Most of the airlines rely on ATPCO to publish their tariff. Due to its lack of exposure and limitations, airlines cannot provide prices that quickly match to changing demands. But with NDC, airlines can easily adopt dynamic pricing or offer a price based on the current market situation.
Airlines are looking for options to evolve their strategies and to grow revenues through better merchandising. And NDC supports changes in the end-to-end distribution architecture.
Some other benefits of NDC are as follows:
- You get direct access to upgrade exclusive packages, or limited period offers even when buying from a third-party.
- The personalized experience ensures you have exactly what you wanted and needed.
- You can compare different services, products, promotions, reward points, member benefits, and more of each airline.
- NDC Airlines can quickly and efficiently distribute their products across third-party agents and sites.
- With NDC, travel agents can easily sell the same content as the airline.
Who Will Benefit From NDC
NDC benefits different industry players from airlines to the travel management sector and airline distribution chain. It helps full service and low-cost airlines to differentiate their products and services. Travel service suppliers can access a complete and rich inventory of airlines. And finally, travelers can benefit from a transparent shopping experience.
Airlines Working With NDC
With so much of efficiency and accuracy, several major airlines across the world are working with NDC. Airlines who want to grow their NDC volume can join IATA’s initiative Leadergroup. Currently, 23 airlines have joined the Leadergroup.
These airlines are American Airlines NDC, United Airlines, JetBlue, Aeroloft, Air Canada, Iberia, KLM, AirFrance, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, British Airways, Singapore Airlines, Sun Express, Swiss Airlines, Cathay Pacific, XiamenAir, China Southern Airlines, SAS, Olympic Air, Brussels Airlines, Austrian Airlines, and Qantas.
Implementing the NDC system in the airline industry results in a streamlined and effective system that brings advantages to airlines, agents, GDSs, travel start-ups, and customers globally. With NDC, IATA plans to offer a better end-to-end service and overall customer experience.
If you are having second thoughts or unsure about NDC, it is best to take guidance from an industry expert. For any consultation on NDC integration Airlines or want NDC Airlines integration, connect with Travel Portal Solution. Take your travel business to new heights with our expertise in NDC integration! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to streamline your operations and boost your revenue. Act now and contact us to embark on a seamless journey towards success.
