Ai Video: Where do GDSs stand with NDC XML API distribution?

First Published on 27th April, 2018 

IATA’s New Distribution Capability or NDC has always resulted in intriguing deliberation around how this communication protocol is going to impact the functioning of GDSs. Considering the current situation, be it for NDC schemas or non-NDC schemas, it isn’t realistic or even pragmatic to point out that the role of GDS companies wouldn’t count.

There are no reliable statistics for the market penetration of NDC bookings, but it is believed to be very low.

Overall, GDS distribution remains above 40% of the total market, and total number of GDS segments has grown in line with overall market growth. All four major GDS companies have committed to NDC. As for what to expect in the time to come, Ian Tunnacliffe, Owner at IFT Consulting, says within the next year all four GDSs will offer airlines the option of connecting using the NDC Schema. “(Also), top tier airlines will roll out more Direct Connect NDC links to their major sellers, NDC adoption will continue to increase slowly with GDSs driving the most growth and the eventual arrival of ONE Order will give a boost to the take up of NDC.”