New Distribution Capability

IATA NDC or International Air Transport Association New Distribution Capability is a set of standards and protocols that are designed to modernize and enhance the way that airline products and services are distributed and sold to customers. This innovative framework aims to enhance the booking experience for travelers through the use of modern technical standards while allowing airlines greater control over the display and sale of their product offerings.

Traditionally, airline distribution has been dominated by Global Distribution Systems (GDS), acting as intermediaries between airlines and various sellers. However, these systems which were developed pre-internet have limitations in offering a real-time catalogue of diverse products and personalized services to customers. To address these constraints the ongoing development of the NDC data standard by IATA empowers all users along the travel chain to better use modern technology to promote interactive retailing.

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The airline industry’s drive toward enhanced distribution capabilities is exemplified by OneOrder from IATA. OneOrder aims to streamline airline product and service management through the creation of a single order process, promising travelers a more personalized and seamless experience throughout the travel chain.

Multi-layered partnerships are crucial for the success of such initiatives because they allow for better data exchange and ensure that all stakeholders contribute to and benefit from evolving standards. From airlines and technology providers to travel agencies and service partners, each entity plays a vital role in driving transformative change.

The partnerships, forged through NDC and OneOrder, have the power to significantly enhance the customer experience by leveraging real-time data and collaborative efforts with agencies and other partners, allowing airlines to better tailor offerings to serve customer preferences, driving satisfaction and loyalty. A dedicated commitment and information exchange from all involved players is therefore essential to realize the benefits of NDC.

This exchange is not a one-way street. Collaboration, shared goals, and protection of customer data on all sides is of utmost importance in order to successfully personalize offers.

To reach this goal airlines and other players need to be customer-centric and enable the further development of travel ecosystems, which support collaboration and the sharing of data. By better understanding customer needs and wants before they book, it is possible to offer the right product, bundled or unbundled, depending on the customer’s needs and wants.

Each stage of the journey, starting with the initial search up until selling ancillaries shortly before the flight, needs to be leveraged in order to satisfy and delight the customer. At the same time the brand needs to be reinforced, even if the sale is not made through one’s own direct channels. The key goal is to enable the customer to book through their preferred channel. The ability to personalize offers is directly influenced by the technological capability to understand customer needs.

–> Contact our experts to discuss how NDC can increase your customer satisfaction.

This exchange is not a one-way street. Collaboration, shared goals, and protection of customer data on all sides is of utmost importance in order to successfully personalize offers.

To reach this goal airlines and other players need to be customer-centric and enable the further development of travel ecosystems, which support collaboration and the sharing of data. By better understanding customer needs and wants before they book, it is possible to offer the right product, bundled or unbundled, depending on the customer’s needs and wants.

Each stage of the journey, starting with the initial search up until selling ancillaries shortly before the flight, needs to be leveraged in order to satisfy and delight the customer. At the same time the brand needs to be reinforced, even if the sale is not made through one’s own direct channels. The key goal is to enable the customer to book through their preferred channel. The ability to personalize offers is directly influenced by the technological capability to understand customer needs.

–> Contact our experts to discuss how NDC can increase your customer satisfaction.