Qantas has unveiled a major update to how travel agents will access fares, launching a new distribution model in mid-2025. The flying kangaroo says the change reflects a global shift towards IATA’s New Distribution Capability (NDC) technology, promising significant benefits for agents and travellers alike.
From 1 July 2025, agents can choose between three options: the traditional EDIFACT system, Standard NDC, or Premium NDC (by invitation). Surcharge-free options will be available, alongside some ticket surcharges.
Qantas says the new system will offer more flexible fare options, better pricing and tools to personalise trips.
The airline has partnered with global distribution systems (GDS) Amadeus, Sabre and Travelport, alongside 10 certified technology partners, to support the transition.
The new NDC model replaces the current Qantas channel agreements, with training and support to roll out over the next six months to ensure a smooth changeover.
“NDC has huge benefits for both customers and agents compared to traditional indirect booking systems,” Qantas Group International CEO, Cam Wallace said.
“For customers, it means an opportunity for better pricing, more fare options and a personalised experience with more visibility for Qantas Frequent Flyers on the number of Qantas Points and Status Credits earned on flights.
“And for agents, they’ll have access to more fares and opportunities to earn through dynamic commission offers and provides them with the tools to create tailored trips that go far beyond a basic fare and itinerary.
“Agents today are using booking systems that were built before the internet even existed. Customers have told us they want a more personalised, flexible and seamless booking experience, whether they book directly with us or indirectly through a travel agent or a corporate travel manager.”
In a conference call on Wednesday morning, Wallace told media that the rollout of the new model in mid-2025 would give the trade “enough time to transfer their business models to move to this new technology solution”.
“So we know this has been a big change for travel agents, not only locally, but globally,” he said.
“So we’ve spent a considerable amount of time talking through the changes, the rationale that supports the technology, and ultimately giving a lot of flexibility in the new model, so they can find different ways to one, access the content, but also to develop their business model.”
Flight Centre’s take
Flight Centre Travel Group CEO Graham Turner called NDC “the future for our industry, and FCTG is at the forefront of this change working with Qantas and airline partners to drive its adoption”.
“This technology will bring additional benefits to our customers including enhanced capability, access to richer content and greater personalisation.
“We are empowering our agents to be equipped to provide our customers with access to the widest range of products, fares and airline services via NDC.
“We look forward to working closely with Qantas to help deliver these benefits and as part of our objective of securing access to the widest range of product for our people and customers.”
Sabre & Travelport back plan
Sabre Travel Solutions and Travelport have thrown their support behind the NDC, citing benefits for travel agents.
“As Qantas continues to enhance its content offerings with more sophisticated and tailored solutions, Sabre’s marketplace can significantly help Qantas distribute this content to travellers worldwide through our extensive network of travel sellers,” Sabre Travel Solutions’ Senior Vice President, Air Distribution Chris Wilding remarked.
“Sabre’s multi-source platform normalises diverse content types, enabling agents to shop, book and service offerings efficiently through a single, intuitive interface – driving better decisions and superior service delivery for their travellers,” Wilding said.
Travelport’s Damian Hickey praised Qantas’ forward-thinking approach, emphasising the AI-powered tools that offer agents richer content and greater flexibility.
“Travelport is committed to providing travel agents with access to richer content, greater flexibility and advanced servicing capabilities, all enhanced by our AI-powered Content Curation Layer which allows them to tailor search options and results, no matter the source,” he added.
For travel agents
Qantas Executive Manager, Global Sales and Distribution, Kathryn Robertson stressed the importance of travel agents to the airline.
“That’s why we’ve invested in new technology to help set our agency partners up for success and make it easier for them to provide an improved booking and travel experience to their customers well into the future,” she stated.
“We recognise this is a big change for our partners in the way they work which is why our teams will be working closely with the travel agent community over the next six months to ensure agents have time to transition to the new technology.
“We want to see our agency partners benefit from the significant capabilities of NDC and for all of us as an industry to better support our customers.”
Last month, Qantas unveiled a raft of changes to its international network across Asia-Pacific and North America, including the addition of a new destination, a lot more seats and new aircraft.
