Looking at the future of NDC

In contrast to the more complicated legacy GDS interfaces, NDC provides agents with an innovative dashboard allowing them to easily search for flights, compare prices and service airline bookings.

“More importantly, NDC will make it much easier for agents to access ancillary products such as luggage, transfers and hotel room rates,” Verheggen says.

He adds that the new platform, which will be available to UK-based agents this summer, will coexist with the traditional GDS for several years to ensure Amadeus can support both content sources from a technological standpoint.

“Another benefit for agencies already using Amadeus’ Selling Platform Connect is that NDC won’t incur additional costs,” he adds.

With carriers including American Airlines, Qantas and Finnair already onboard with NDC, and more partnerships in the pipeline, Verheggen says he hopes industry-wide adoption will determine NDC’s success.

“We’re not looking at NDC as if it’s a race. In order for it to be successful, the travel industry must embrace it on a global scale.

“We can use it to start making the buying and selling of travel a truly digital retail experience. We feel the possibilities will be endless.”