Ai Video: Opening up to API-led distribution

Airlines are exploring how to make the most of API-led distribution. There is lack of standardization as of now, what it means API are based on different versions of NDC or are not NDC-based. This means not only there is room for aggregation of APIs, but there are specialists who can 'normalise' these APIs into the latest version of the standard (as envisioned by IATA). And in doing so, there would be minimal impact on the content and functionality made available by airlines through their APIs.

As Jorge Diaz, CEO, AirGateway, says, there is a difference in “theoretical NDC” and “practical NDC”. Diaz’s start-up is working on an offering based around NDC aggregation technology. It would enable full-NDC (from provider to consumer) real-time aggregation. NDC aggregators would collate content, and travellers will search, shop, book, pay and get their tickets directly from airlines.

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