Top 5 Benefits of NDC for Airlines and Travel Agents

The industry of travel is changing the gears fast. While the digital revolution has changed the way travellers make reservations for flights and organize their trips but many of the systems behind the scenes have been left behind. For a long time, airlines and travel agents have been restricted by outdated Global Distribution Systems (GDS) that restrict flexibility, personalization as well as profitability.

NDC or NDC, or New Distribution Capability, is an initiative of IATA designed to modernize the distribution of airline tickets. It allows airlines to provide high-quality content to agents directly through the common XML format. However, NDC isn't just a technological change, it's a total change in the way that the flights are advertised, customized and advertised.

If you're a travel agency that wants to provide more than basic prices or a travel agency trying to remain on top of the market in a constantly changing environment, knowing the advantages associated with NDC is crucial.

In this article, we'll discuss the top five advantages of NDC for travel agents and demonstrate how it's changing the future of distribution of air travel.

1. Richer, More Dynamic Airline Content

At one time, the airline information on travel agency platforms were dull and uninteresting. Baggage rules, fare classes as well as other details were condensed into long lines of text, devoid of brand and personality.

NDC gives airlines complete control over the way their content is presented--from showing branded fare families with images and precise descriptions to incorporating rich media such as images, seat maps as well as videos.

This translates to:

• Travel agents can provide more informative and engaging customer service.
• Airlines are better able to convey the value of their prices.
• Customers make better purchase decisions, and are more confident in their purchases.

This change is beneficial for everyone. Agents can upsell more efficiently, and also allows airlines to emphasize the unique aspects of their product, like premium seating, Wi-Fi access, meals onboard and lounge access in the moment of selling.

At NDC Deals, we've helped airlines turn their inventory into experiences that attract both customers and agents. This kind of storytelling is no longer a luxury, but vital to stand apart in a sea of competitors.

2. Real-Time Pricing and Availability

Did you have a customer make a decision to book an airline, only to discover that the cost was changed at the time of checkout? This is a frequent issue with traditional systems, as price updates may be delayed compared to actual inventory.

A single of the most significant advantages of NDC is the ability to access the most current pricing and seat availability in real-time. No delays. No errors. Live data directly from the airline's systems.

This is why it's important:

• Travel agents can gain confidence and effectiveness. They can confidently communicate accurate fares to customers.
• Airlines cut down on the amount of cancelled bookings and dispute over fares.
• Customers can enjoy a smoother booking process, with fewer unexpected surprise.

This live-streaming access also allows agents to access exclusive deals such as loyalty-based discounts or special promotions when they occur, giving their business a competitive advantage in an extremely competitive field.

In NDC Deals our partners have witnessed significant improvements in booking speed and customer satisfaction through the elimination of old data pipelines.

3. Personalized and Bundled Offers for Every Traveler

The modern-day traveler doesn't need a universal solution. They want relevant, customized experiences, whether they're looking for business travelers for speedy boarding or families with extra baggage.

The traditional GDS systems were not designed to provide this kind of individualization. However, the NDC system for airline passengers alters the game completely.

With NDC, airlines are able to:

• Customize offers based on the profiles of customers. Think loyalty status, the history of travel, or the area.
• Create bundles of offers. Such as fare, seat, food, baggage, which is perfect for particular segments of travelers.
• Respond in response to changes in market prices. Airlines can instantly launch new promotions or change pricing models.  

What do these have to do with Travel agents?

More options. More control. Plus, more satisfied customers.

What NDC assists the travel agent is by providing them with access to these customized specific offers that allow them to provide the best value, not only the most expensive price. The result? Better relationships with clients and higher conversion rates.

4. Stronger Collaboration Between Airlines and Travel Agents

Historically, third-party systems such as GDS were a barrier between airlines and agents, which limited access and collaboration. NDC transforms this. It is a two-way road which allows agents and airlines to be more in sync than ever before.

With NDC Airlines can:

• Recognize agencies that have performed well by awarding them exclusive rates or content.
• Monitor the sales performance and customer preferences.
• Develop loyalty with travel agents, not only end users.

This results in the possibility of a better transparent, clear an effective partnership--one which both parties profit from the same goals and have access to real-time information.

Travel agents aren't passive middlemen. Because of NDC the agency is now active participants in distribution strategies, providing clients with better offers and brokering exclusive deals.

In NDC Deals we are experts in helping facilitate these direct partnership. Our platform assists travel agents gain access to the best airline content while allowing airlines greater control over who is able to access what, and at what time.

5. Future-Proofing Travel Distribution

We all know that the old method to book flights has been slipping behind. Digital technology is rewriting customer expectations. Travelers can now book their flights using mobile devices, expect instant service and personalized offers available at any time.

NDC will be what's coming to travel retailing and those who embrace NDC early will set the way.

Let's see how NDC will help your business stay ahead of the curve:

• To be used by airlines The technology unlocks new-generation strategies for retail such as adaptive pricing and AI-based suggestions and direct customer engagement.
• For travel agents, This tool allows travel agents needed to compete with the OTAs and provide better customer experiences by offering contemporary accessible, customizable content.

Simply put, NDC provides space the development of new products and services. It doesn't matter if it's integrating with next-generation booking tools or creating new opportunities for upsells or enabling voice and chatbot-based sales, NDC is the catalyst for this change.

If your company wants to keep up with the current consumer, NDC isn't optional--it's crucial.

Final Thoughts

We're at a tipping point in the distribution of air travel. Systems that are old-fashioned struggle to keep up with modern demands. People who travel want more than an airline ticket - they want options as well as clarity and control. Travel agencies and airlines require better tools to meet this demand.

The advantages that come from NDC aren't just technical. They're transformative:

• Airlines are able to control their story and boost revenues.
• Travel agents have access to more extensive, real-time, and personalised content.
• Customers can enjoy a smoother, personalized experience when booking.

If you're an airline that wants to modernize distribution, or a travel agency that wants to go beyond the essentials, now's the time to make the switch to NDC-first.

We are NDC Deals, we're already helping travel businesses around the world make use of the power of NDC by providing them to integrate seamlessly and curated airline partnerships as well as the assistance needed to flourish in the current technology of distribution.

Get in touch with us today by calling 1800 889 2000 or by writing to us at www.support.ndcdeals.org