Why More Airlines Are Adopting NDC for Better Distribution
The airline industry is evolving, and so are the ways flights are sold. Traditional airline distribution systems have long been dependent on Global Distribution Systems (GDS), which limit airlines' ability to control how their fares and services are presented to customers. This lack of flexibility has made it difficult for airlines to personalise offers, create dynamic pricing, and improve customer experience.
Enter New Distribution Capability (NDC)—a game-changing technology standard developed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). NDC enables airlines to modernise their sales channels, offer personalised deals, and improve transparency for travellers. As more airlines realise the benefits of NDC, adoption rates are rising rapidly.
Let’s explore why airlines are making the shift and how NDC is transforming the future of air travel.
Direct Control Over Offers and Pricing
Traditionally, airlines had to rely on third-party platforms to distribute their fares, often limiting how they could present pricing, add-ons, and services. With NDC, airlines gain direct control over their inventory and pricing, allowing them to offer:
Real-time fare updates, ensuring customers always see the latest prices.
Customised bundles, including seat upgrades, extra baggage, and lounge access.
More flexible booking options, such as fare classes tailored to different traveller needs.
With this level of control, airlines can present their offers exactly as they intend, without restrictions from third-party intermediaries.
More Personalised Travel Experiences
Today’s travellers expect a customised and seamless booking experience. Whether flying for business or leisure, customers want options that match their preferences and budget. NDC allows airlines to deliver hyper-personalised offers, including:
Loyalty-based perks, such as complimentary Wi-Fi or priority boarding for frequent flyers.
Special business travel bundles, featuring flexible rebooking and corporate discounts.
Exclusive deals for returning customers, ensuring long-term brand loyalty.
Platforms like NDC Deals help airlines tailor these offers to individual travellers, enhancing customer satisfaction and retention.
Dynamic Pricing for Competitive Fares
Fixed airline fares are becoming a thing of the past. NDC enables airlines to implement dynamic pricing, adjusting ticket costs based on:
Demand and seasonality, ensuring competitive rates.
Customer booking patterns, offering personalised discounts.
Market competition, helping airlines remain cost-effective.
Instead of travellers seeing static, one-size-fits-all pricing, NDC allows for real-time price adjustments, ensuring the best possible deals.
Seamless Integration with Modern Travel Platforms
The airline industry is embracing digital transformation, and NDC plays a key role in this shift. NDC integrates seamlessly with:
Corporate travel management systems, allowing businesses to manage travel expenses efficiently.
Online travel agencies, ensuring better visibility and distribution of airline fares.
Direct airline booking platforms, eliminating unnecessary intermediaries.
With NDC, airlines can distribute their fares across multiple channels while maintaining full control over how their offers are displayed and sold.
More Transparency for Travellers
A common frustration among travellers is the lack of clarity when booking flights. Traditional systems often display base fares only, leaving customers unaware of add-on costs until checkout. NDC solves this by providing:
Upfront pricing, showing the total cost, including baggage fees and seat selection.
Detailed fare breakdowns, helping customers compare options easily.
Enhanced visuals, displaying seat maps, meal options, and in-flight services.
Through NDC Deals, travellers receive a clearer, more informative booking experience, reducing confusion and unexpected costs.
The Future of Airline Distribution
NDC is no longer just an emerging technology—it is becoming the new standard for airline distribution. More airlines are making the switch to improve efficiency, increase revenue, and enhance customer experience.
With platforms like NDC Deals, airlines can:
Offer direct and personalised sales, improving customer loyalty.
Use real-time data to optimise pricing strategies.
Enhance partnerships with travel agencies and corporate travel programmes.
As more airlines embrace NDC, the future of air travel booking will become more transparent, flexible, and customer-centric.
Final Thoughts
NDC is revolutionising the way airlines sell tickets and interact with travellers. By adopting NDC, airlines gain greater control, better pricing strategies, and improved personalisation—all of which lead to a superior booking experience for customers.
With platforms like NDC Deals, airlines and travellers alike benefit from a more modern, efficient, and customer-friendly booking process.
As the industry shifts towards next-generation airline distribution, NDC is at the heart of this transformation. Airlines that adopt it now are setting themselves up for greater success in the years to come.
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