Twai TWAI is an innovative travel technology company that strives to modernize travel distribution by enabling Travel Suppliers to seamlessly distribute their content to directly at a lower cost.

Travel industry has witnessed a shift towards personalized and informed travel experiences, especially with the introduction of the New Distribution Capability (NDC). NDC enables airlines to establish a more direct relationship with customers and adjust offers to customer preferences. This technology enables the delivery of personalized content and additional ancillary services not available through traditional channels like the GDS. By embracing NDC, airlines can improve customer satisfaction and adapt to the changing demands and behavior of customers.

What is NDC?

International Air Transportation Association (IATA) introduced New Distribution Capability (NDC) with the aim of transforming the existing communication standard and allowing additional distribution capabilities. NDC represents a significant shift from the legacy systems, which have been in use since the 1980s. It is essentially an XML-based standard that allows airlines to bring rich content and additional ancillary services directly to travel agencies and travelers.

What are the Benefits of NDC for Travel Agents?

Rich Content

While traditional distribution methods only allow sharing of prices and schedules, NDC provides access to rich content like images and text that is relevant to the customers. Customers are able to get detailed information regarding the fares they are purchasing, including the ability to upsell to higher fares and see the benefits that are available in clear text. Travel policies like baggage, extra leg room, Wi-Fi, meals, seats, and upgrades can be easily communicated along with the fare.

Ancillary Services

Customers now have the ability to purchase ancillary services like seat upgrades, Wi-Fi access, extra leg room, bags, lounge access and meals that have not been available through traditional methods. Not only does it open up additional revenue channels for travel agents, but it also offers a better shopping experience to the customer allowing them to customize their travel according to their needs.

Personalized Customer Experience

NDC allows airlines to deliver a personalized shopping experience to travelers. Airlines can tailor personalized offers based on customer’s profile, loyalty status and create targeted offers. As an example, airlines can choose to include additional services like lounge access for their corporate customers.

Flexible Pricing

One of the biggest challenge airlines face is to adjust their pricing based on real-time demand as the traditional distribution methods restrict how often and how quickly an airline can adjust. NDC allows an airline to adjust prices in real-time based on market demand and even create new pricing slabs not available through the traditional methods. The concept of “dynamic pricing” is a new concept introduced due to NDC, and more airlines are adopting it benefiting the customer and the airlines.

Streamlined Booking Process

NDC makes it easier for travel agents to book flights, accommodations, and services by giving them direct access to airlines' inventory and pricing. They no longer have to manually contact airlines or use multiple platforms to find this information. With NDC, the booking process becomes faster and more efficient, saving travel agents time and allowing them to handle multiple bookings. It also automates manual tasks, reducing the need for extra resources and making the entire booking process smoother and more cost-effective for travel agents.

Access to Exclusive Offers and Promotions

By integrating NDC into their systems, Travel Management Companies (TMCs) gain direct access to special offers and promotions that airlines provide exclusively. These deals are often not available through the usual booking channels that TMCs rely on. Through the exclusive offers, TMCs can create unique and appealing travel packages for their clients and enhance their overall travel experience, making it more enjoyable and memorable.

How can travel agents implement NDC APIs effectively?

When it comes to implementing NDC integration, travel agencies need a technology provider with expertise in this area and a robust API infrastructure. Selecting the right partner is crucial to ensuring a smooth and successful implementation process.

Key Considerations for Travel Agents:

Compliance with NDC Standards: The technology provider's NDC API must comply with the latest NDC standards set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Compliance with these standards ensures compatibility with other industry participants, enabling seamless communication and data exchange.

Data Security and Privacy: Data security is crucial when integrating NDC. Travel agents must evaluate the technology provider's security measures, data encryption protocols, and compliance with data protection regulations. The technology provider must prioritize the privacy and protection of sensitive customer information.

Experience and Expertise: Travel agents must look for a technology provider with significant experience and expertise in NDC integration. They should have a proven track record of successfully implementing NDC solutions for travel agents. Their knowledge of industry standards, technical capabilities, and understanding of the travel agency business should be considered.

Robust API Infrastructure: Travel agents must assess the technology provider's API infrastructure to ensure that they offer a robust and reliable API that can handle the volume of data and transactions required for NDC integration. They must look for features such as scalability, security, and high availability to support their agency's needs.

Who Can Help with NDC-Based Solutions?

When it comes to NDC integration, Travel Agents need to make thoughtful choices about their technology provider. In this regard, TWAI emerges as the ultimate answer, offering a comprehensive solution that addresses key considerations. With extensive experience and expertise in NDC integration, a strong focus on compliance with NDC standards, robust data security and privacy measures, and a reliable API infrastructure, TWAI is well-equipped to meet the requirements of the Travel Agencies.

TWAI's NDC solution is a game-changer for the travel industry, offering a comprehensive and tailored solution. As an NDC aggregator, TWAI has connectivity to 25+ major airlines, eliminating the need for costly and time-consuming integration individually.

In addition to offering an API solution, we also offer a complete white-label B2B / B2C / B2E solution as well that allows you to combine NDC content with traditional GDS content, giving you the best of both worlds. This reduces the time to market for travel agencies, and our solutions can be deployed quickly.

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