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American Airlines says its plans to step up NDC distribution from April will hasten an end to ‘subpar booking experiences’, while BA chief Sean Doyle (inset) says the usability of NDC technology will soon reach a ‘tipping point’


American’s NDC drive ‘will cause disruption’


Plan to withhold 40% of fares from GDSs alarms US agents. Ian Taylor reports He insisted: “Most key players,


The drive by major network carriers to transform third-party distribution through New Distribution Capability (NDC) technology will reach a new stage in the US from April, threatening disruption to agents, travel management companies (TMCs) and customers. American Airlines will withhold


more than 40% of its fares from traditional GDSs, with full content only available through NDC channels. But there are widespread concerns


that the technology is not ready. The American Society of Travel


Advisors (Asta), the US equivalent of 48 16 MARCH 2023


Abta, called on American Airlines to delay the move to the end of the year. Asta president and chief executive


Zane Kerby said recent meetings with the airline “confirmed fears that AA’s statements regarding [its] readiness are exaggerated”. Kerby noted American’s insistence


that more than 40% of its fares “would be accessible only through NDC-ready channels” and warned of “massive disruption”, arguing: “Withholding such a substantial portion of fares from independent distribution channels will have a serious negative impact on the travelling public.”


including TMCs, GDSs and third-party booking technology partners, have stated they will not be fully prepared to facilitate NDC implementation by April. Significant disruption to booking, ticketing, refunds and reticketing is inevitable.” Kerby said: “The fragile public


trust [in] the airline sector is at stake.” He pointed out airlines “have


been working on NDC for over a decade” and complained at “this


Continued on page 46 travelweekly.co.uk


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