Number of airlines piloting NDC up to 24, says Iata

An increasing number of airlines are taking part in piloting and testing Iata’s New Distribution Capability (NDC) scheme.

An increasing number of airlines are taking part in piloting and testing Iata’s New Distribution Capability (NDC) scheme.

The airline trade association listed nine carriers planning to participate in the new system, bringing the total up to 24.

The new participants include Lufthansa, which has already enraged the trade by planning to introduce a €16 fee for booking via global distribution systems from September.

Others include Lufthansa-owned Swiss International Air Lines, Qantas, Hong Kong Airlines, Gol and Avianca.

Iata director general and chief executive, Tony Tyler, revealing the numbers at the associations annual meeting in Miami, said:

“We welcome the participation of these airlines as well as their travel agent and technology partners in helping to test and implement the NDC standard.

“NDC will modernise the way that airline products are presented through travel agents as well as help to promote efficiency and innovation.

“NDC is a pro-consumer move that is unleashing innovation. With NDC, travellers shopping through agencies will be able to compare the full product offering—tailored to their specific requirements.”

Iata also announced the launch of a dedicated microsite with information on how to get started with NDC, including links to instructional videos.