Business-ready NDC that’s proven to work 

 

Practical, compliant, future-ready. FCM Travel makes new distribution capability (NDC) work for corporate travel programs by staying focused on our clients' needs, the traveller and booker experience, and service excellence.   

We’ve believed in modern air retailing from day one. We were one of the first global travel management companies to achieve IATA (International Air Transport Association) NDC certification. Today, we continue to work with airlines and technology partners, so our clients can trust us to integrate content smoothly into their corporate travel programs. 

What is NDC?

New distribution capability (NDC) is a modern way for airlines to distribute airfares to travel agencies. Every airline has its own NDC implementation strategy and priorities. As a corporate travel seller, our role is to make NDC content usable for business travel. That means clearly displaying fares alongside other inventory and enabling changes and servicing like any other flight booking. If you’re curious to learn more about NDC distribution, check out our guide here.

Drive NDC efficiency and value through

global ndc content

Relevant global NDC content

Align your NDC content to your travel program goals. A broader range of content is
great, but it needs to be relevant.
business travel services

Rigorous end-to-end testing

Minimise disruption to service; our priority is to deliver content that’s fully integrated into
corporate travel programs.
air travel expertise

Decades of air travel expertise

Integrate NDC with confidence. Our airline distribution experience enables us to
manage content fragmentation effectively.

How our approach integrates content smoothly

Customer-first and consultative

Whether you consider yourself an NDC pro or novice, we never want you to feel alone in your journey. We'll guide you through the complexities so you can make the best decisions for your travel program. All new distribution capability content is validated before roll-out so we know it fulfils your needs.

Strong partnerships building on expertise

After years of using NDC, you can trust that we understand air distribution inside and out. Alongside our long-standing relationships with airlines, global distribution systems (GDS) and aggregators, our team are accustomed to navigating airline industry shifts and optimising air inventory.

Focus on service and relevance

NDC doesn't have to be just available, it needs to work with the booking and change processes that comes with business travel planning, through relevant channels and online booking tools. That's why it's not enough to plug in an airline's NDC solution, we prioritise airfare content that aligns with booking processes, travel policies and technology. It's only after rigorous testing and pilots that we expand access.

Keeping innovation at the forefront

Keep your NDC strategy future-proof with the confidence we can leverage technology to enhance corporate travel. Through partnering with the best technology partners, we're delivering a robust and scalable solution for business travel.

Is NDC right for your travel program?

NDC offers benefits, but it also comes with some important considerations. Here’s what you need to know and some questions you might want to ask your travel management company.  

 

Program adjustments 

You may need to adapt policies or workflows to ensure fare rules, ancillaries, and inclusions are still visible in reporting, duty-of-care, and spend tracking. If they don’t, you’re lacking full visibility.  

Pricing vs experience 

Yes, you may see lower fares. But there’s a trade-off. Servicing NDC bookings can be more complex and slower. Changes to bookings might take more effort from your travel team and consultant might have to work more manually. 

Availability and compatibility

Business travel works differently to leisure. Airlines may not be ready to meet your expectations. Your complex needs Also, your online booking tool (OBT) might not show all NDC content yet. Visibility and usability can vary between platforms.

 

Our NDC portfolio  

FCM Travel is working with multiple airlines & global technology partners to launch NDC content. Availability and NDC connections depend on several factors such as airline distribution choices by particular region or country, your booking tool’s capabilities, and the fare types and inclusions available. 

NDC portfolio

Have questions on new distribution capability or wider airline distribution?  
 

Speak to an expert today to learn how we can make NDC work for your business travel program. 

 
By proceeding, I agree to the website terms of use and to my personal information being handled in accordance with the privacy notice accessible below.

You may also be interested in......

Frequently asked questions on New Distribution Capability

  • Why does New Distribution Capability matter? 

    When it was first launched in the early 2010s by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), New Distribution Capability drummed up a lot of excitement in the airline industry. This was the game-changing next step for airline distribution and travel agents, and it promised an easier way to sell ancillary services such as seat upgrades, priority boarding. NDC capabilities promised richer content, more dynamic pricing opportunities, personalised offers tailored to customer preferences and a break away from legacy systems. However, NDC adoption has been slower than anticipated. Initially, travel agents, travel managers, and flight resellers were not involved in the discussions, so the NDC initiatives that were underway did not align with service and business processes. And while NDC was meant to bring standardisation to the way airlines distribute fares, NDC strategies vary per airline. More industry stakeholders have since been involved in New Distribution Capability discussions, meaning it is working better for travel management

  • Why is New Distribution Capability different for corporate travel vs leisure travel? 

    It's easier to sell different airfares in the leisure travel market. When booking a trip, holidaymakers can choose whatever airline they like and add on as many additional services as they want, either through online travel agencies or a travel agent store. For corporate travel, the customer experience is different. The direct communication between an airline and business traveller also has to factor in a travel management company's services and likely a travel risk provider. Travel programs have reporting capabilities and have more existing systems to consider. This complexity means that NDC adoption is not as easy. 

  • How many airlines are using New Distribution Capability? 

    Airlines are at different stages in their NDC journey. Additionally, if a large airline, say British Airways or American Airlines, announces a change in its flight content, that will be prioritised over smaller airlines who may not be so far ahead in their plans. Travel managers should speak to their corporate travel management company account manager or airline representative to discover where they are in their strategy to implement NDC.