NDC is an XML-based data transmission standard developed by IATA to enable direct connectivity between airlines and third-party travel suppliers to streamline airline distribution and merchandising.
NDC improves communications for travel agents and airlines, where the airline can show their Flight NDC (New Distribution Capability) Content and sell Flight Services like Wi-Fi, food, legroom, and entertainment along with other services like lounge, porter, taxi, and hotel on the travel agent portal itself, enabling them to share rich information directly with travel agents, OTAs, and TMCs.
So, NDC is a protocol that uses XML and a set of APIs to get flight content and sell it directly to online travel agencies, GDSs, and travel management companies.
Unlike traditional EDIFACT systems, NDC allows airlines to:
- Share rich content like images, videos, and detailed descriptions.
- Offer ancillary services, including seat upgrades, extra baggage, and onboard meals.
- Deliver dynamic pricing and personalized offers.
- Gain direct customer insights to improve service delivery.
Addressing Limitations of Airline’s PSS System with NDC
An airline gets some basic data about its customers because OTAs and GDSs get that customer data and become middlemen in their conversion. NDC is providing direct customer data to airlines.
Many Airlines use PSS System (passenger service systems), which contains reservation info, fares, and schedule to display availability of flights, but because of some restrictions PSS System performance is very poor. At that time Flight NDC play a major role for airlines, it save present data to PSS databases using flight interface.
NDC vs. GDS: What’s the Difference?
- NDC (New Distribution Capability): Rich content and personalizing direct XML-based API communication between airlines and travel agents.
- GDS (Global Distribution System): Legacy systems using EDIFACT technology that aggregate basic flight schedules, fares, and availability lack rich content and customization.
Why is NDC Better?
- Dynamic content such as detailed descriptions
- Stay careful of intermediate expenses.
- Improved agents' and airlines' communication
What is NDC API Integration?
Developed by IATA, the NDC API Integration technology standard allows airlines and travel agents to communicate seamlessly, granting access to rich, customized, dynamic airline content for a better booking experience.
Why would a travel agency want NDC API integration into their Travel Portal?
To remain competitive in the always changing travel industry, travel agents must integrate NDC APIs. Here is the why:
Access to Airline Content: Avoiding middlemen like GDSs lowers expenses and improves bookings control.
Improved Personalization: Customize offers for booking history, loyalty levels, and travel preferences.
Pricing: Based on demand, traveler profiles, and market conditions, offer adaptable, real-time pricing.
Inventory Update: Maintaining inventory, pricing, and availability updated helps to reduce mistakes and customer irritation.
Avoid GDS Surcharges: Save on distribution expenses, particularly given airlines charge extra fees for GDS use.
How might airline content distribution make use of NDC APIs?
NDC API integration provides several means to properly distribute airline content in the changing travel scene of today. Using XML standards will help airlines and travel agencies simplify the following processes:
Airline Transportation NDC API: Direct airline access to access thorough and tailored content via direct integration
GDS NDC: Making use of Global Distribution Systems with NDC standards for improved content distribution
IT Service Provider: Working with technology companies will help to enable flawless integration and distribution over platforms.
How Can Travel Agents Effectively Implement NDC APIs?
Travel agents should think through the following to properly apply NDC APIs:
Choose the correct technology provider: Verify the provider's IATA certification and NDC API integration experience.
Guarantee Compliance with NDC Guidelines: The selected NDC API has to satisfy modern NDC criteria for flawless communication set by IATA.
Give data security first importance: Check if the provider provides strong encryption methods and follows data security policies.
Utilize a scalable API infrastructure: Choose an API with dependable performance and high transaction capacity.
Expertise in Flight NDC API Integration
Technoheaven connects airlines with Flight NDC Content via API, leveraging its expertise to integrate NDC technology into airline IT infrastructures. The company collects all Flight NDC content in one place and distributes it across systems via XML API.
Technoheaven is connected with Flight NDC content. Our team of professionals has expertise in integrating Flight NDC technology into the airline’s IT infrastructure. Also, we collect all Flight NDC content in a single place and distribute it across the systems via an XML API. We provide the best flight NDC integration for airlines.
Flight NDC API enables online travel agencies to access personalized airline products and services. Integrating Flight NDC API in the online travel portal of airlines will help in reducing flight distribution costs and generating new revenue streams for business.
Distribution of NDC Flight Content via API
Technoheaven specializes in distributing NDC Flight Content to travel agents through its Flight NDC API. We provide connection of flight NDC for travel agents to earn more NDC-style flight bookings with best Flight NDC Content. This includes ancillary services like seat upgrade, transfers, hotels and more to provide customers with the best options.
We provide the best Flight NDC content for airline carrier. We provide dynamic packages like Flight + Holiday, Flight + Hotel and more to help their customers plan an ideal vacation.
Technoheaven's IATA NDC Level 4 Certification
Technoheaven was awarded with IATA NDC Level 4 certification as an IT provider and this Level 4 certification indicates the ability to support 'Full Offer and Order Management' functionality.
NDC Level 4 Capable IT Provider for Airlines
NDC Level 4 Certification recognizes that Technoheaven can provide 'Full Offer and Order Management' capability. This Level 4 NDC certification allows booking NDC airline content and supports changes in NDC bookings of travellers.
Technoheaven is certified with NDC Capable Level 4 certification for its NDC-based solution and has become NDC Level 4 Capable IT Provider for Airlines.
With this NDC Capable Level 4 certification, Technoheaven becomes a part of NDC Registry that lists all the NDC-Certified or NDC-Capable companies according to the IATA Guide to the NDC.
Technoheaven is certified NDC Level 4 Capable IT Provider with the ability to support 'Full Offer and Order Management' capability.
Using our NDC Level 4 Certification status, travel agencies can get access to exclusive NDC Content including competitive flight fares from a vast range of airlines with ancillaries such as seat upgrades, baggage, onboard food to improve traveler booking experience and maximize flight bookings.
Through this Level 4 Certification, travel agencies can get benefits of exclusive NDC Content without any additional GDS charges and expand their airline content with best flight fares and ancillaries to maximize flight ticket bookings and revenues
Benefits and Features of NDC API Integration for Travel Businesses
Technoheaven’s travel system is integrated with Flight NDC API and offers the following features and benefits:
Features of Flight NDC API Integration
- Rich Flight Data: Access detailed seat maps, images, videos, and ancillary services.
- Dynamic Pricing: Adjust fares in real-time based on demand and traveler profiles.
- Direct Bookings: Eliminate intermediary costs and gain direct access to airline content.
- Customer Data Ownership: Enable airlines to offer personalized deals and improve customer relationships.
- Scalable Infrastructure: Handle large data volumes and support growing business needs.
Benefits of Flight NDC API Integration
- Enhanced Partnerships: Build strong connection between airline and travel agent.
- Real-Time Data: Get real-time data from airline.
- Seat Availability: Select seat availability and prices.
- Ancillary Services: Sell flight services like Wi-Fi, food, entertainment, etc.
- Flight Fare Visibility: Flight Fare is visible anywhere, anytime!
- Increased Revenue: High productivity & increase revenues.
- Payment Gateway: Multiple payment gateway integration.
Technoheaven Integrates Emirates’ NDC Content Into Travel Agency Platform
Technoheaven has forged a strategic partnership with Emirates to integrate the airline's New Distribution Capability (NDC) content into its platform, marking a significant leap in modernizing travel distribution. This collaboration brings cutting-edge capabilities to travel agents, OTAs, and destination management companies (DMCs) worldwide.
Key Benefits of the Technoheaven Emirates Partnership:
Direct Access to Emirates’ Content
Travel agents and businesses within Technoheaven's global travel community will gain seamless access to Emirates' "customer-centric content," delivering a transparent and tailored booking experience.
Comprehensive Booking Features
Through IATA-certified NDC APIs, the platform allows users to:
- Book tickets in real-time.
- Access dynamic seat selection and competitive fares.
- Purchase ancillary services such as additional baggage, onboard upgrades, and inflight amenities.
Efficient Disruption Management
The integration includes tools for managing booking modifications and handling flight disruptions, enabling direct communication with Emirates to ensure efficient resolution.
Modernized Retailing Standards
Having achieved IATA NDC Level 4 certification, Technoheaven now operates with the latest retailing standards, addressing limitations of legacy systems. This milestone ensures advanced functionality, such as dynamic pricing, real-time inventory updates, and seamless data exchange.
Empowering Travel Brands
Travel businesses partnering with Technoheaven can leverage the platform to:
- Compare prices and availability instantly.
- Make real-time bookings with ease.
- Offer a more personalized customer experience by tailoring options to individual traveler needs.
A Game-Changer for the Travel Industry
This partnership not only enhances the capabilities of travel agents and OTAs but also sets a new standard for transparency and efficiency in airline distribution. By integrating Emirates’ NDC content, Technoheaven empowers travel businesses to meet evolving customer demands, ensuring a superior booking experience and fostering long-term customer loyalty.
Frequently Asked Questions About NDC
1. What does NDC stand for in travel?
NDC stands for New Distribution Capability, a modern communication protocol developed by IATA to enhance airline content distribution.
2. What is the difference between NDC and EDIFACT?
NDC uses XML-based APIs to enable rich content, personalization, and dynamic pricing, whereas EDIFACT is a legacy protocol designed in the pre-digital era. EDIFACT has limited capabilities, supporting only basic schedules, fares, and communication.
3. Why are airlines and agencies moving away from GDS reliance?
The rise of advanced technologies and evolving market demands has prompted travel agencies and management companies to seek direct connections with airlines through NDC. This shift enables richer content, personalized offerings, and dynamic pricing, bypassing the constraints of traditional GDS and EDIFACT systems.
4. How does NDC benefit airlines?
NDC allows airlines to:
- Offer dynamic pricing and exclusive fares.
- Own customer data for better insights and personalized services.
- Distribute rich content like photos, videos, and ancillaries directly to travel agents.
5. What are NDC fares?
NDC fares are dynamic ticket prices offered directly by airlines through NDC APIs. These fares often include exclusive offers, ancillary services, and personalized options not available through traditional distribution channels.
6. Can small travel agencies adopt NDC?
Yes, smaller travel agencies can leverage NDC by partnering with aggregators or IT providers like Technoheaven, which offers NDC API Integration into its travel agency platform. This allows even smaller players in the travel industry to compete effectively in today’s competitive landscape.
7. What are the key airline distribution channels?
Airlines use two main distribution channels:
1. Traditional GDS and EDIFACT Channels:
- Legacy Protocols: Built for basic communication in a pre-digital era.
- Limitations: Cannot support rich content, dynamic pricing, or detailed offers.
2. New Distribution Capability (NDC):
Modernized Communication: Uses APIs for real-time updates and rich, dynamic content.
Personalization: Enables tailored offers with dynamic pricing and multimedia content.
8. How does NDC benefit the travel industry?
NDC revolutionizes the travel industry by:
- Enabling transparency in fares and offers.
- Allowing faster updates with richer, more detailed content.
- Strengthening airline-agency partnerships by reducing reliance on intermediaries like GDS.
By leveraging NDC solutions from providers like Technoheaven, travel agencies can transform their services and thrive in the rapidly changing travel industry.
Conclusion
Flight NDC API Integration is revolutionizing the travel industry by enabling access to rich, personalized airline content and reducing dependency on legacy systems like GDSs. Technoheaven, as an IATA-certified IT provider, empowers travel agents with cutting-edge NDC solutions, ensuring they remain competitive and deliver exceptional value to their customers.