NDC API Integration - Unlocking The Future Of Air Travel

 

What Is New Distribution Capability or NDC ?

 

An acronym for New Distribution Capability, or NDC, is essentially an XML-based communication standard created by the International Air Transportation Association (IATA) to let airlines bring rich content and ancillaries instantly to online travel agencies (OTAs), travel management companies (TMCs), and other flight resellers through a set of travel APIs.

It’s a protocol or technological standard, through API (application programming interface) connections, used by airlines through their direct channels (their web pages) and to associate with travel agencies.

NDC represents a remarkable shift from the legacy systems, which have been in use since the 1980s. It is essentially an XML-based standard that enables airlines to bring rich content and additional ancillary services directly to travel agencies and travelers.

 

There are three NDC integration options:

 

• Airline NDC or direct connection with carriers via their own NDC API,

• GDS NDC or connecting through the GDS’s NDC channel (all the major GDSs have adopted NDC), and

• NDC platforms and IT providers that connect airlines and distributors

 

Why Is NDC API Integration Important For Travel Business ?

 

NDC (New Distribution Capability) is a travel industry-supported program launched by IATA that enhances the capability of communications between airlines and travel agents. The NDC API is designed to enable the travel industry to transform the way air products are retailed by addressing the industry’s current limitations: product differentiation, time-to-market, access to complete and rich air content, and a transparent shopping experience.

Integrating NDC APIs into your travel agency’s workflow can open up a world of possibilities, from offering personalized travel experiences to accessing real-time information. NDC offers an end-to-end flow including shop, price, hold, book, service (change/cancel), and disruption management.

With NDC, airlines change the way they distribute by delivering cutting-edge, unique, and customized content through travel sellers. Airlines have made significant choices in terms of rich travel content, thus offering an easy-to-use shopping experience for customers.

Modern protocol (NDC) implementing XML standards offers ample content and extra services to OTAs, GDSs, and destination management companies. XML standards are changeable, making NDC a dynamic tool.

XML is a basis for communication among airline passenger service systems, GDS, and NDC interfaces. Travel companies are in a position to get airline data in JSON format using REST APIs. One of the latest APIs manages the interchange of rich content.

With NDC, you're given a world-class ticket to richer content, tailored offers, and direct communication. If you're weary of the repetitive patterns in GDS systems, NDC introduces several rhythms. It gives you the chance to personalize, have dynamic pricing, and explore various other options.

 

NDC provides several capabilities:

 

• It enables airlines to publish and communicate more personalized and dynamic offers.

• It enables TMCs (travel management companies) to offer travelers additional services (additional luggage, more room for legs, a more expensive meal, access to lounges in the airport, etc.).

 

What Actually NDC Is ?

 

New Distribution Capability (NDC) is a travel industry-supported program from IATA. This latest distribution platform:

 

• Allows the development and market adoption of a new, XML-based data transmission standard (NDC Standard).

• Enhances communications capability between airlines and travel agents

• Is available to any third party, intermediary, IT provider, or non-IATA member to implement and use

• Allows the travel industry to change the way air products are retailed to corporations, leisure travelers, and business travelers by addressing the industry’s current distribution limitations.

• Provides product differentiation and time-to-market access to complete and rich air content, together with a transparent shopping experience.

 

Why The Need For NDC (New Distribution Capability) ?

 

The airline industry has been developing NDC since 2012. Travelport recognized the need for airlines to display their broad range of airfares and ancillaries in an interactive, personalized, and engaging way for indirect sales, similar to the way it is presented on their websites. Also, the desire of airlines to have more control over their content and to boost their sales capabilities led to the need for NDC in the travel industry.

 

What Is The Purpose Of New Distribution Capability ?

 

The NDC initiative aims to provide a standardized framework that empowers airlines to present customized offers, ancillary services, and pricing options in real time. It fosters more efficient and customer-centric interactions while enabling airlines to achieve product differentiation in a competitive marketplace.

NDC’s goal is to address some of the limitations and complexities of the traditional airline distribution system, which essentially relies on outdated systems and protocols to distribute fares, availability, and related services to travel agents and online travel agencies.

NDC introduces a more flexible and dynamic approach to distributing rich content, a term used to describe all the data airlines provide about their products and services. NDC also improves the capability of communications between airlines and travel agents and is open to any third party, intermediary, or IT provider.

 

How Can Travel Agents Implement NDC APIs Effectively ?

 

In the case of implementing NDC integration, travel agencies need a technology provider with expertise in this area and a powerful API infrastructure. Selecting the right partner is crucial to ensuring a straightforward and successful implementation process.

 

Key Considerations for Travel Agents:

 

Compliance with NDC Standards: The technology provider's NDC API must comply with the modern NDC standards set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Compliance with these standards ensures compatibility with other industry participants, allowing seamless communication and data exchange.

Data Security and Privacy: Data security is vital when integrating NDC. Travel agents must estimate the technology provider's security measures, data encryption protocols, and compliance with data protection regulations. The technology provider must prioritize the privacy and protection of sensitive customer data.

Experience and Expertise: Travel agents must look for a technology provider with remarkable experience and expertise in NDC integration. They should have a proven track record of successfully implementing NDC solutions for travel agents. Their knowledge of industry standards, technical capabilities, and understanding of the travel agency business should be examined.

Robust API Infrastructure: Travel agents must evaluate the technology provider's API infrastructure to ensure that they offer a robust and reliable API that can manage the volume of data and transactions required for NDC integration. They must look for features such as scalability, security, and high availability to support their agency's requirements.

 

Why Travelopro ?

 

NDC (New Distribution Capability) API integration is the game-changer for your business requirements. Because it’s all about offering personalized, dynamic, and competitive travel experiences to your users. With the NDC API, you’re not just selling travel; you’re crafting unforgettable journeys.

Travelopro is a leading provider of NDC integration services. Our NDC API development and connectivity solutions are designed to help airlines thrive in the latest travel landscape.

Travelopro is connected with Flight NDC content. Our team of professionals has expertise in integrating NDC technology into the airline’s IT infrastructure. Also, we collect all NDC content in a single place and distribute it across the systems via an XML API. We provide the best NDC API integration for airlines.

We develop third-party interfaces and Application Programming Interface (API) plug-ins to integrate the standardized NDC schema with existing workflows. It ensures a single source of truth,’ involving flight schedules, price, and seat availability across booking channels.

Our NDC Aggregation Platform facilitates the interaction with several NDC providers in a single one-to-one implementation instead of handling various NDC implementations. This facilitates the aggregated shopping, booking, and servicing of multiple NDC providers and airlines.

With NDC, we can now distribute content in real-time and offer capabilities such as personalized content, flexible servicing, reporting capabilities, and our best pricing. NDC is part of an industry-wide effort to make buying and selling tickets more convenient and customized for travelers.

 

Features Of An NDC API Integration

 

Travel companies can select to integrate with various airlines through NDC Offer and Order APIs to access NDC content. Alternatively, they get access to NDC content via a GDS or an NDC Aggregator. There are several distinct features of NDC integration: 

Rich Data And Ancillary Services: NDC content is uniquely positioned to provide rich flight data, including detailed seat maps with purchase options, flexible travel dates, and in-flight services or benefits. This attention to detail and travel customization were not possible prior to NDC.

Direct Bookings Without Intermediaries: NDC APIs provide an alternative to GDS-mediated airline bookings by allowing licensed OTAs and travel companies to issue air tickets. Suppliers save on booking fees for bookings made via NDC.

Ownership Of Customer Data And Customizations: NDC bookings leave airlines with the ownership of critical customer data, opening a door to customer relationship management. Airlines can leverage this data to generate valuable customer engagement through targeted offers and deliver customizations according to traveler preferences.

Dynamic Pricing: NDC bookings leave room for airlines to change air ticket prices dynamically in response to demand, seasonal or external factors, or traveler profiles, thus maximizing their profitability.

 

Benefits of NDC API Integration

 

NDC transforms the travel distribution landscape by enhancing content, personalization, and efficiency, resulting in improved customer experiences and stronger partnerships across the travel industry.

 

Some benefits of NDC include:

 

• Richer Content. NDC empowers airlines to present their offerings with more detailed descriptions as well as more images, videos, and other multimedia elements.

• Personalization. With NDC, airlines can tailor offers to individual travelers based on their preferences, travel history, and loyalty status.

• Real-Time Updates. NDC gives airlines more flexibility to update their flight availability, pricing, and ancillary services in real time.

• Ancillary Sales. Airlines can instantly promote and sell ancillary services such as seat upgrades, baggage allowances, and lounge access to travelers.

• Avoiding GDS surcharges. Travel managers can avoid extra fees or surcharges added by airlines to any bookings made via the GDS, resulting in cost savings and more control over travel arrangements.

 

Who Benefits From NDC ?

 

There are several different players involved in the NDC process: travel agents, airlines, aggregators, and IT providers.

Travel agents and airlines are straightforward. The aggregators are the various intermediaries involved in communicating the travel agent’s request to various airlines. This can be GDS (Travelport has recently been certified as an NDC provider) or metasearch (Skyscanner has been the fastest adopter). The IT providers are responsible for integrating NDC into the airline’s IT infrastructure.

 

Why Choose Travelopro For NDC Solutions ?

 

Cost-Effective Solutions: We understand the importance of cost-effectiveness, and our pricing models reflect that. With Travelopro, you're investing in top-tier NDC integration without compromising your budget. 

Innovation Focus: At Travelopro, we're driven by innovation. Our developers are not just proficient in codes; they're visionaries who embrace new technologies to craft NDC integrations that fuel growth. 

Constant Improvement: NDC integration is a dynamic process. As standards evolve and technology advances, we ensure your systems stay updated and optimized. Our commitment to continuous improvement means your NDC integration remains at the forefront.

Efficiency Matters: Our agile approach ensures swift NDC integration, minimizing disruptions to your operations. We understand that efficiency is paramount, and we deliver accordingly.

NDC Experts: Our dedicated NDC integration team is a blend of seasoned professionals and tech enthusiasts. With a deep understanding of the NDC framework, they're adept at unraveling complexities and translating them into streamlined solutions.

Customer Satisfaction: Your success is our reward. From the moment you partner with Travelopro, you're met with dedicated support. We believe in open communication and a personalized approach to ensure your NDC integration journey is straightforward and satisfying.

 

Wrapping Up: 

 

Explore seamless access to rich airline content. Partner with Travelopro, connect to our NDC API and seamlessly access the full suite of airline rich content within hours.