New Distribution Capability (NDC) is a data exchange format based on Offer and Order management processes for airlines to create and distribute relevant offers to the customer regardless of the distribution channel. ​​​​

 

What?

NDC (New Distribution Capability) is a travel industry-supported program (NDC Program) launched by IATA for the development and market adoption of a new, XML-based data transmission standard (NDC Standard). The NDC Standard enhances the capability of communications between airlines and travel agents and is open to any third party, intermediary, IT provider or non-IATA member, to implement and use.

Why?

NDC enables the travel industry to transform the way air products are retailed to corporations, leisure and business travelers, by addressing the industry’s current distribution limitations: product differentiation and time-to-market, access to full and rich air content and finally, transparent shopping experience.

Who will benefit and how?

Available on a voluntary and open basis, NDC benefits different industry players across the airline distribution value chain as follows:

  • Full service and low-cost airlines > Differentiate their Products and Services
  • Travel Sellers > Access Full and Rich Air Content of the Airlines
  • Customers > Benefit from a Transparent Shopping Experience

Documentation

 

  • Get started with NDC (pdf) (Oct 2019) how to build a business case, who to talk to, what to look out for, etc. A must-read if you are starting your journey to retailing.

Media and Multimedia

 

Why NDC?

Learn why NDC is a positive development for the travel industry.

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What is NDC? (Part 1)

Learn what NDC is ... and what it isn't.

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What is NDC? (Part 2)

Learn what NDC is ... and what it isn't (continued).

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Who will benefit from NDC, and how?

Learn about the benefits the new standard delivers.

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The NDC Messages are governed by the Shop-Order Standards Board under the Passenger Standards Conference and managed by three specialised Industry Groups; the Offer, Order and Customer Payment Groups. These Groups, ensure the standard is maintained and improved each release. 

If you are an airline or strategic partner and would like to join the conversations and help set the standard, please contact standards@iata.org for more information.

IATA Passenger Messaging Standards 

The NDC (Offer and Order) messages can be found within the standard IATA Passenger Messaging Standards. 

NDC Implementation Guide