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BA strengthens NDC platform
British Airways is strengthening its New Distribution Capability (NDC) platform with new initiatives to enable agents to better integrate and manage NDC and increase the benefits to customers who book through NDC-enabled agents.
However, at the same time, agents not connected to NDC will no longer have access to BA’s cheapest short haul fares through GDSs.
BA said the latest changes will drive it closer to achieving IATA’s goal of 20% of indirect bookings through NDC APIs by the end of this year.
The airline has already exceeded this target in the UK.
From the end of March, travel agents connected to NDC will be able to accept or search between different flight options, without the need to contact a call centre.
BA’s NDC platform will now include full servicing prior to ticketing for agents who offer their customers a delay between booking and ticketing. This will give agents the ability to change dates and times for held bookings. This follows the launch of a new 24/7 NDC Service Escalation Process, said BA.
The airline is also expanding its Long Haul Additional Price Points across more routes and introducing extra price points on Short Haul. The lowest three Short Haul Basic inventories will now only be available through NDC and direct channels for customers starting their journey from the UK.
BA head of distribution Rogier van Enk said: "These enhancements demonstrate our commitment to delivering more choice and value to customers and trade partners. It’s just the beginning of our 2020 distribution strategy and we will continue to listen and collaborate with our agency partners as we expand our New Distribution Capability offering. If there is ever a time for trade partners to join us on this journey, it’s now."
The additional price points and Short Haul Basic content will be available through any trade partner connected to British Airways’ New Distribution Capability (NDC) APIs and through the airline’s direct channels.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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