Lufthansa and eDreams ODIGEO become innovation partners as part of new NDC deal

Deal covers eDreams, Opodo, Travellink and GO Voyages brands

European OTA eDreams ODIGEO and Lufthansa Group have signed a new distribution deal based on aviation industry body Iata’s New Distribution Capability (NDC)1 standard.

The deal covers all four of eDream’s travel agency brands – eDreams, Opodo, Travellink and GO Voyages – and Lufthansa Group airlines Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa, SWISS and Brussels Airlines globally.

EDreams ODIGEO’s membership of Lufthansa’s NDC Partner Program will see customers offered NDC Smart Offer, the airlines’ most competitive fares and exclusive ancillary services.

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The partners said combined customer-centric technology “will enable an enhanced traveller shopping experience and personalization for eDreams ODIGEO’s 18 million customers on its 261 booking platforms”.

As part of the deal, eDreams ODIGEO and Lufthansa Group airlines agree to become preferred partners for joint innovation initiatives, such as the development of new travel ancillary services.

Pablo Caspers, chief air supply and advertising officer at eDreams ODIGEO, said: “As Europe’s largest online travel company, we are committed to constantly enhancing our product and service offering to ensure the highest levels of customer satisfaction.

“As part of this, we are delighted to strengthen our partnership with one of the world’s leading airline groups as it will allow our joint travellers to enjoy even better air products and services.

“Also, by teaming up we will boost innovation and technology within the travel and e-commerce industry to ultimately benefit millions of consumers worldwide.”

Thomas Eggert, Lufthansa senior director global and strategic corporate accounts, added: “Our mission is to provide customers with a premium experience, with high-quality products and services.

“With this strategic agreement with one of the world’s largest flight retailers, more travellers will be able to benefit from our NDC Smart Offer, and we are thrilled to also be able to work alongside eDreams ODIGEO to innovate and design the future of travel.”