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 customer experience, and service excellence. 

We were one of the first global travel management companies to achieve IATA (International Air Transport Association) NDC certification.

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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 travel seller, FCM strives to clearly display these airfares alongside inventory from all our other sources, and has the ability to amend, change, and service these bookings the same way as any other flight booking.

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 only if it meets your needs.
business travel services

Rigorous end-to-end testing

Our priority is to deliver content that’s fully integrated into corporate travel programs and minimizes service disruptions.
air travel expertise

Decades of air travel expertise

Integrate NDC with confidence. Our airline distribution experience enables us to manage content fragmentation effectively.
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“Working with FCM has been instrumental to our distribution strategy. Their proactive approach to implementing NDC capabilities has unlocked new opportunities for enhanced customer offers and values.” 

-Gan Cai Fong, General Manager Distribution, Singapore Airlines

Speak to an expert about NDC

 

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How our approach integrates content smoothly

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Customer-first and consultative

We'll guide you through complexities so you can make the best decisions for your program. All NDC content is validated before roll-out, so we know it fulfils your needs.
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Strong partnerships building on expertise

We understand air distribution inside and out. Alongside our long-standing relationships with airlines, GDS and aggregators, our team are accustomed to navigating the industry and optimizing inventory.
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Focus on service and relevance

NDC can’t just be available, it needs to work with booking and change processes, through relevant channels. We prioritize airfare content that aligns with booking processes, travel policies and technology.
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Keeping innovation at the forefront

Through partnering with the best partners, we're delivering a robust and scalable solution for business travel that keeps your strategy future-proof.

Is NDC right for your travel program?

These are the main implications to be considered when introducing NDC content into your business travel program. FCM experts can support your transition and decision making.  

  • Program adjustments

    Policies or workflows may need to change, especially to confirm if any fare inclusions align. 

    Paid ancillaries – can they be expensed? What do you allow and don't allow? 

    You need to ensure NDC bookings display in your reporting, duty of care systems, and spend tracking.

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  • Pricing vs experience

    Yes, you may see lower fares. But there’s a trade-off - servicing complexity and response times could be affected. 

    NDC fares can be harder to change. Your travel consultant might have to work differently, possibly more manually, to service an NDC booking. 

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  • Availability and compatibility

    Business travel works differently to leisure. Airlines may not be ready to meet all your expectations. 

    Also, your online booking tool (OBT) might not show all NDC content yet. Visibility and usability can vary between platforms.

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Our NDC portfolio

FCM Travel is working with multiple airlines & global technology partners to launch NDC content. Note that availability and NDC connections depends on several factors such as whether an airline restricts/distribute content in a particular region or country, whether your online booking tool can support and display content, and the types of fares, ancillary services and inclusions available.

NDC portfolio

NDC resources

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.

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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, personalized 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 standardization 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 NDC 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 traveler 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 prioritized 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.

  • Why are airlines pushing the use of NDC?

    Airlines push NDC to gain direct control over their retailing and avoid the technical limitations of traditional distribution channels.

    Legacy systems restrict airlines to basic fare and schedule data. NDC allows carriers to sell bundled fares, premium seats, and carbon offset programs directly to your travelers. This direct connection reduces airline distribution costs and bypasses traditional third-party surcharges.

  • Will NDC replace global distribution systems (GDS)?

    NDC changes the role of the global distribution system rather than replacing it entirely.

    Major systems like Amadeus, Sabre, and Travelport now act as aggregators for NDC content. They integrate modern XML feeds alongside traditional fares. This ensures that your travel management company can consolidate your global travel data into a single platform for reporting, predictive analytics, and duty of care.

  • How does NDC affect pricing and fare transparency?

    NDC introduces continuous pricing and richer fare descriptions, giving you clearer visibility into what your corporate travel budget actually buys.

    Traditional airline pricing relies on 26 fixed fare buckets, causing sharp price jumps when a bucket sells out. Continuous pricing algorithms generate fluid price points based on real-time supply and demand. You receive precise breakdowns of included ancillaries, such as baggage or priority boarding, ensuring your travelers book options that comply with your corporate policy.