Amadeus has created a program, NDC-X, that will focus on
practical-use cases for IATA's New Distribution Capability.
NDC is an XML messaging standard enabling airlines to sell
all products, including ancillaries, through travel agencies. NDC will also
enable airlines to create personalized offers.
"We are at a critical moment in terms of the
development of the standard, and the readiness of the industry," said
Gianni Pisanello, NDC-X's vice president. "For NDC to truly take off, we
need to create a real standard not only for the protocol itself, but also for
how it's implemented. We also need to ensure that it responds to travel seller
requirements, and that it has the right economics to drive investment."
Experts from across Amadeus' businesses will participate in
the NDC-X program.
According to a blog post from Pisanello, the name of the
program was inspired by SpaceX. He said the program "is going to take NDC
beyond where it is today."
He also said Amadeus is on track to introduce NDC bookings
this year.
"Later this year, we expect to have web service
bookings in production, connecting to airlines via NDC," Pisanello said. "This
means that we will be working together with partner airlines and travel
agencies to enable a simple flow of 'shop, order and pay' using the NDC
standard."
More complex capabilities, like changing tickets and adding
ancillaries, are expected to be developed next year.