The Global Distribution System (GDS) is the traditional way users interact with an airline. NDC or the New Distribution Capability is a technology developed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to allow airlines and end consumers to interact in a new way.
What is NDC?
NDC is an XML-based standard that permits airline service providers to supply rich content (images, audio, and video) to their customers in order to provide a more experiential interaction that enables customers to differentiate easily between brands. NDC aims to create a standard that leading airlines and tech developers can follow, and allows for a lot of personalization. It has the potential to become the single source from where all data could be funneled through.
Since customers can now shop for customized offers from several airlines, it has opened the doors to a cost-effective and time-efficient interaction.
Benefits of NDC
 • Personalized shopping experience for customers.
 • Product differentiation with the help of rich content.
 • Allows distribution of deals, prices, and packages in one channel.
 • Customers can get a visual representation of what they can expect from their travel.
NDC Certification
NDC certification is a classification granted to airlines, sellers, aggregators, or IT providers for the level of capability available to send and receive NDC messages. There are currently four levels of certification:
Level 2 - Offer Management
Airlines or aggregators who support shopping and booking, but have limited or no support for post-booking processes, for example, changes and cancellations.
Level 3 - Offer and Order Management
Airlines or aggregators who support shopping, booking, and a limited range of post-booking processes - for example, changes and cancellations.
Level 4 - Full Offer and Order Management
Airlines or aggregators who support shopping, booking, and a full range of post-booking processes - for example, changes and cancellations.
NDC Certification
NDC certification is a classification granted to airlines, sellers, aggregators, or IT providers for the level of capability available to send and receive NDC messages. There are currently four levels of certification:
Level 2 - Offer Management
Airlines or aggregators who support shopping and booking, but have limited or no support for post-booking processes, for example, changes and cancellations.
Level 3 - Offer and Order Management
Airlines or aggregators who support shopping, booking, and a limited range of post-booking processes - for example, changes and cancellations.
Level 4 - Full Offer and Order Management
Airlines or aggregators who support shopping, booking, and a full range of post-booking processes - for example, changes and cancellations.
The Future
NDC has the potential to revolutionize the experience for all parties involved. While by itself, NDC is just a standard for the exchange of data – it gives airlines the potential to offer richer, dynamic content and personalized sales offerings through an NDC-enabled channel. For airlines, this means more differentiation and more room to tailor communication to their target audience. For customers, it means a smoother, more customized and more informed shopping experience.
For business travelers, this could mean a more tailored journey right from the very beginning. With stronger data comes the ability to cater directly to the needs of the target customer. From baggage requirements to lounge access and beyond – travelers can get access to more options that already consider their preferences, without the need for separate searches and bookings.