NDC API Integration (New Distribution Capability) will enable the travel industry to transform the way air products are retailed to corporations
NDC API Integration (New Distribution Capability) is a travel industry-supported program (NDC Program) launched by IATA for the development and market adoption of a new, XML-based data transmission standard (NDC Standard).
The NDC Standard enhances the capability of communications between airlines and travel agents. The NDC Standard is open to any third party, intermediary, IT provider or non-IATA member, to implement and use.
New Distribution Capability or NDC is a new communication standard launched by IATA in 2015 with the goal of replacing the old EDIFACT data exchange that has been around since the 1980s and is used by GDSs.
It’s an XML standard that allows airline service providers to deliver rich content (e.g., descriptions and aircraft images) and ancillaries (extra bag allowances, onboard WiFi, etc.) directly to online travel agencies, GDSs, metasearch engines, and travel management companies via a set of standard APIs.
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 (e.g., SITA, Farelogix, or OpenJaw Tech).