The acronym ‘NDC’ is getting around the travel industry like a birthday cake in the office, but what is it? And why does Flight Centre Travel Group want to help launch it?
Okay, here we go: NDC stands for New Distribution Capability, and it’s defined by IATA (International Air Transport Association) as a tool that will transform the way airlines and Travel Agents communicate, while also improving distribution limitations such as access to full and rich air content.
In the simplest of terms, it’s a piece of technology that’ll make it easier for Travel Agents to sell full air travel product to their clients.
Nice!
The NDC’s contribution to the way travel trade operates helps explain why an institution such as the Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) would be interested in the initiative.
So far, FCTG is the only travel company with headquarters in Asia Pacific to participate in the Sabre Corporation-run initiative, which will draw on the group’s expertise and knowledge to shape the NDC standard for the region.
Image: Amanda Coppola/Facebook
FCTG’s James Kavanagh said taking part in the ‘Beyond NDC Program’ is a “good opportunity to collaborate and ensure the future retailing of airline product optimises the capabilities of direct and indirect distribution channels for all stakeholders in the travel ecosystem”.
Greg Parker, FCTG’s Executive General Manager of Air, said FCTG looks forward to embarking on the program with its technology partners at Sabre.
“This collaboration will help deliver next generation solutions that will drive consistency in the end-to-end process.”
Greg Parker, FCTG Executive General Manager of Air
“We believe this will herald the start of an exciting new era for our company and for customers of our leisure and corporate businesses.”
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