Business travel in the Asia-Pacific region is evolving. New expectations, technology, and market dynamics are changing how companies book and manage travel. At the center of this transformation is NDC –New Distribution Capability.
If you’re wondering what NDC is and how it’s disrupting corporate travel, especially in Asia-Pacific, you’re in the right place.
NDC (New Distribution Capability) is a technology standard created by IATA that allows airlines to sell their products directly and more dynamically. It gives access to more detailed and personalized airline content like:
· Seat upgrades
· Fare bundles
· Add-ons like baggage or meals
· Corporate-specific pricing and perks
NDC is replacing the outdated Global Distribution Systems (GDS) model that has dominated corporate travel booking for decades.
Legacy booking systems, like GDS, we redesigned for a different era. They show limited fare options and often fail to deliver the rich content that airlines offer on their own websites.
Corporate travelers now demand:
· Customization
· Real-time updates
· Better value
· Seamless digital booking
Companies need better visibility and control. That’s where NDC steps in.
NDC enables travel buyers and corporate booking tools to access more than just basic flight fares. Travelers can view:
· Branded fare bundles
· Business-class upgrades
· Seat selections
· Lounge access
· Wi-Fi packages
This makes booking more transparent and aligned with traveler preferences.
Many Asia-Pacific airlines using NDC now offer:
· NDC-only fares
· Dynamic pricing models
· Personalized offers for frequent business routes
This means companies can access exclusive prices and promotions that are unavailable on public channels or old GDS platforms.
With NDC, the booking experience becomes smoother. Travelers see clear options, compare packages easily, and enjoy better add-ons — all from within approved booking tools.
That leads to happier travelers, fewer support issues, and better policy compliance.
For travel managers in Asia-Pacific, NDC offers:
· Real-time visibility into spending
· Easier budget management
· More accurate traveler data
· Insights into airline performance and deals
This helps build smarter travel programs that align with corporate goals.
The Asia-Pacific region is one of the fastest adopters of NDC. Leading airlines like:
· Singapore Airlines
· Qantas
· Cathay Pacific
· Air India
are now offering NDC content to corporate buyers and travel agencies. Many have also launched NDC-exclusive business fares, encouraging companies to migrate.
With strong digital infrastructure and growing demand for business travel, Asia-Pacific is well-positioned to lead this transformation.
While NDC brings huge benefits, the transition isn’t without challenges:
· Not all travel agencies are NDC-ready
· Technology integration may need time and investment
· Consistency of NDC content across channels can vary
· Booking tools must support the new workflows
That’s why it's essential to partner with NDC-certified platforms and providers.
In the next few years, NDC will become the default standard for corporate flight bookings. The benefits are too big to ignore:
· Cost savings
· Personalization
· Stronger airline partnerships
· Better control over travel programs
Companies that adopt NDC early will gain a competitive edge in how they manage travel.
At NDC Deals, we help businesses and travel managers unlock the full potential of NDC in the Asia-Pacific market.Our platform offers:
· Access to NDC-exclusive corporate travel deals
· Insights into the latest airline offers
· NDC-certified tools and partners
· Support in simplifying the transition to NDC
Whether you're a small business or a large enterprise, we make NDC adoption easier and more effective.
NDC is not just a buzzword — it's a game-changer for corporate travel across Asia-Pacific. It brings more choice, better deals, and stronger control to travel programs. The sooner companies embrace it, the more value they can unlock.