Demystifying NDC: Why it's a game-changer for business travel management

In the fast-paced world of business travel, staying ahead of the curve is essential. At Clarity, we always like to stay one step ahead. As technology continues to evolve, so does the way we book and manage corporate travel.

One of the most significant innovations in recent years is NDC or New Distribution Capability. If you’re involved in business travel management, understanding NDC is crucial, as it’s a game-changer that can streamline your operations and enhance the traveller experience. Need to know more? Read on…

What Is NDC?

Before we delve into why NDC is the perfect tool when it comes to streamlining business travel, let’s clarify what it is actually all about.

NDC is a technology standard developed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to modernise and standardise the way airlines distribute their content. It enables airlines to offer a broader range of products and services directly to travel agencies, corporations, and travellers.

Why Is NDC a Game-Changer?

There are many reasons why NDC is useful in business travel. Here are the key points we think stand out:

Enhanced Content

NDC allows airlines to provide rich, detailed content that goes beyond the basic fares and schedules. Travel managers can access real-time information on:

• In-flight amenities
• Seat availability
• Baggage fees

And much more. This helps with making informed decisions and tailoring travel options to meet the traveller’s specific needs.

Personalisation

NDC enables a higher degree of personalisation in booking. Travel managers can customise travel itineraries based on individual traveller preferences, such as:

• Seat preferences
• Meal choices
• Loyalty program status

This personal touch we can grab from using NDC technology enhances the overall travel experience.

Fare transparency

A focus for many in recent times is costings. Every business is finding ways to save money and manage expenses. NDC enhances fare transparency by providing a clear breakdown of costs, including add-ons and ancillary services. This transparency helps us to help businesses manage travel expenses more effectively and make cost-conscious decisions.

Direct Connectivity

We can go direct with NDC! Business travel agencies like us can connect directly with airlines, reducing reliance on traditional Global Distribution Systems (GDS). This direct connectivity streamlines the booking process, reduces distribution costs, and allows for real-time updates and communication with airlines.

Real-time inventory

There is no time like real time to receive important updates! NDC provides all-important, real-time access to airline inventory, ensuring that travel managers have the most up-to-date information at their fingertips. This is especially beneficial in fast-changing situations, such as flight cancellations or delays.

Better Negotiation Power

With NDC, business travel agencies like us have more negotiating power when dealing with airlines. They can negotiate customised contracts and access exclusive offers and bundles, which can result in significant cost savings for our clients.

Compliance and reporting

NDC makes our job easier when it comes to tracking and reporting travel expenses and ensuring that our clients can maintain compliance with travel policies and regulations. This level of visibility is crucial for auditing and cost control.

How to embrace NDC

Utilising NDC may seem a little complicated to those who have no experience or knowledge in the business travel industry but, to us, it’s a piece of cake!

To harness the full potential of NDC, we recommend partnering with a tech-savvy business travel agency like ours. We are certainly well-versed in NDC technology and can provide all the tools and expertise to make the most of it.

At Clarity, we will ensure that your travel management team is well-informed about NDC and its benefits. We will adapt your travel policies to take advantage of NDC’s flexibility and personalisation options and suggest ways you can integrate NDC capabilities into your existing processes.

We will regularly assess the return on investment of using NDC for your business travel and evaluate cost savings, traveller satisfaction, and the efficiency of your travel management processes.

Embracing NDC technology helps us to streamline our operations, enhance the traveller experience, and ultimately drive more value for your business.

If you want to stay ahead in the world of business travel by harnessing the power of NDC, contact us today.