The Australia-based company is working alongside its business travel brand FCM Travel Solutions to create the global team.

US-based Jason Toothman, who is executive general manager – global air distribution for Flight Centre Travel Group, will head up the new team after joining the company from Sabre.

Nicola Ping will also be part of the airline distribution team after joining from British Airways to become Flight Centre’s manager, air content and distribution, EMEA, based in London. Another team member is Jason Nooning, general manager – global air distribution, who is based in Brisbane.

Marcus Eklund, FCM’s global general manager, said: “One of the biggest factors influencing corporate travel in 2019 will be distribution as NDC content becomes more of a reality.

“Our goal has always been to balance the short-term priorities of NDC with building a long-term sustainable booking solution with our technology partners, including Amadeus and Sabre, in collaboration with our key airline suppliers.

“Together with our parent company we have created the global airline distribution team to drive this long-term solution forwards, not just for ourselves as a leading global travel management company, but to better help airlines connect with our corporate customers and their travellers.”

The new team is holding meetings with key players including tech firm Amadeus and British Airways, with Flight Centre planning to run several pilot programmes using NDC-enabled airline content in the second quarter of 2019.