Understanding NDC
You may have heard the term "NDC" before in relation to airfares, but perhaps you’re not entirely sure what it means. Don’t worry, you're not alone! Even within the travel industry, NDC can be a bit of a mystery. While many know the "N" stands for "New," the "D" and "C" are often less clear. So, let’s break it down.
What is NDC?
NDC stands for New Distribution Capability, and the key word here is "Distribution." Airlines distribute—or sell—their tickets and services in various ways: through travel management companies (TMCs) like us, directly via their websites, online travel agencies (OTAs), and even traditional high street agencies. However, the technology they have historically used to do this is outdated and no longer meets the demands of today’s consumers.
Modern travellers expect a more advanced, retail-like experience when booking their trips. They want options to bundle products together, access personalised services, view interactive content, and benefit from dynamic pricing. NDC is the airline industry’s answer to these demands. In simple terms, it’s a new distribution technology designed to give consumers a better, more personalised travel shopping experience. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) even estimates that by 2030, 100% of their member airlines’ tickets will be distributed using NDC technology.
What does NDC mean for us and our clients?
At Diversity Travel, as a leading and award-winning travel management company, we’ve always made it a priority to stay ahead of industry developments. We were early adopters of NDC and have since focused on obtaining the right content for our customers at the right time. This includes choosing the best technology partners, participating in pilot schemes, and ensuring we remain at the forefront of the industry.
Currently, our customers have access to NDC content from several major airlines, including:
- KLM
- Air France
- British Airways
- American Airlines
- Lufthansa
- Austrian Airlines
- Brussels Airlines
- Singaport Airlines
The benefits for our clients:
Our ongoing NDC strategy ensures that we introduce NDC air content at a pace that works for our customers. We are also working closely with our airline partners to integrate our specialist charity and academic fares within the NDC distribution channel.
For now, this means our customers can access cheaper rates on specific airfares, including exclusive NDC-only offers. For example, Lufthansa Group’s “Light Fares”—which are cheaper, hand-luggage-only options—are only available through NDC. These fares can provide cost-effective options for those who do not require additional flexibility.
What to expect in the future?
As NDC technology continues to evolve, so too will the benefits for travellers. In the future, you can look forward to:
More Personalisation: Tailored travel options based on your preferences, such as seating, meal choices, and baggage needs.
Enhanced Interaction: A more interactive shopping experience with real-time updates and dynamic offers.
More Rewards: Better integration with frequent flyer schemes, offering more opportunities to earn and redeem rewards.
Greater Choice: The ability to choose from a broader range of in-flight and airport services, such as lounge access or extra legroom, all within one seamless transaction.
The ultimate goal of NDC is to offer a fully personalised travel experience that combines all these elements in a single booking process, making it easier for you to get exactly what you need from your trip.
If you’d like to learn more about how NDC can benefit you, or if you have any specific questions about our NDC offerings, please feel free to reach out to your Account Manager. We’re here to help you navigate this exciting new landscape in travel.