NDC information

The three-letter combination NDC relates to travel service distribution, but what is it actually about? If you're looking for more information on IATA's New Distribution Capability initiative, you can find it here.

Amadeus's YouTube video
New Distribution Capability (NDC) is an IATA (International Air Transport Association) standard that aims to modernise air travel distribution. It's a set of XML-based data transmission standards designed to allow airlines to distribute their products and services in a more flexible and targeted way. Essentially, NDC provides a richer, more modern way for airlines to communicate with travel agents and other distributors, moving beyond the limitations of the older, traditional Global Distribution System (GDS) technologies. Here's how the NDC standard will benefit everyone: **For Airlines:** * **Enhanced Product Offerings:** Airlines can go beyond just selling a seat. They can package and sell ancillaries (like extra legroom, priority boarding, specific meals) and offer a much wider range of fare types and bundles in a more visually appealing and detailed way. * **Dynamic Pricing and Personalisation:** NDC allows airlines to offer more dynamic pricing based on various factors, and importantly, to personalise offers to specific customer segments or even individual travellers. * **Direct Connection & Reduced Costs:** By enabling direct connections between airlines and travel sellers, NDC can help reduce reliance on intermediaries, potentially lowering distribution costs. * **Improved Brand Control:** Airlines have more control over how their products are presented and marketed. **For Travel Agents and Travel Management Companies (TMCs):** * **Access to a Wider Range of Products:** Agents will have access to the full breadth of airline content, including all the ancillaries and personalised offers that might not be available through traditional channels. * **Better Tools and Information:** NDC enables richer content, meaning agents can see more detailed product descriptions, images, and comparison tools, helping them to advise customers more effectively. * **Increased Efficiency:** With better integration and richer data, agents can potentially book and manage travel more efficiently. * **Competitive Edge:** Agents who embrace NDC can differentiate themselves by offering a superior customer experience and a broader selection of travel options. **For Travellers:** * **More Choice and Customisation:** Travellers will have a wider selection of fare options and the ability to tailor their journey by booking specific services and extras upfront. * **Potentially Better Prices:** With dynamic and personalised pricing, travellers may find more competitive offers. * **Improved Transparency:** Richer content can lead to a clearer understanding of what is included in different fare options, reducing surprises. * **Seamless Experience:** As NDC adoption grows, the booking experience should become more integrated and streamlined, whether booked directly with an airline or through an agent. **For Technology Providers:** * **Innovation and Development:** NDC provides a modern framework for technology providers to develop new tools and solutions for the travel industry, fostering innovation in booking, retailing, and fulfilment. In essence, NDC is designed to bring air travel distribution into the 21st century, enabling a more modern, flexible, and customer-centric way of selling and buying air travel. While there have been challenges in its adoption, the long-term aim is to create a more efficient, competitive, and rewarding ecosystem for all stakeholders.

Article from American Express Global Business Travel
The ABCs of NDC: a glossary for understanding the initiative taking off in the airline industry

SMT's Ari Ilonen article
NDC – what does it mean for a booker?

Please also remember that IATA maintains its own NDC Hub information bank. You can subscribe to IATA's NDC newsletters directly to your email.
IATA – New Distribution Capability
NDC for Business Travel

Report published in August 2018 by the IATA Travel Manager Advisory Group
Time to Fly

Tnoozin story + video of the ”sold out” NDC session at the August GBTA Convention