Business-ready NDC that’s proven to work

Practical, compliant, future-ready. FCM makes New Distribution Capability (NDC) work for corporate travel management programs by staying focused on our clients' needs, the traveler experience, and service excellence.

We’ve always believed in modern air retailing–we were one of the first global travel management companies to achieve IATA's (International Air Transport Association) NDC certification. Our clients can trust that we integrate NDC content seamlessly as we continue to work with airlines and technology providers.

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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 can amend, change, and service these bookings the same way as any other flight booking.

“NDC should never come at the cost of security or service quality. FCM is committed to ensuring that our NDC solution meets rigorous standards for data protection, security, and compliance. FCM's NDC solution is designed to integrate seamlessly into your workflow, while maintaining protection of your business and your travelers.”

Daniella Pittis, Group Chief Security Officer and EGM Enterprise Technology Services

“Reliable NDC content doesn’t happen by accident. Through real-world pilots with global airlines and technology partners, NDC solutions are carefully tested and proven to integrate smoothly with booking systems, giving your travel program the consistency and service quality it needs.”

John Morhous, Chief Experience Officer, Flight Centre Travel Group

Drive NDC efficiency and value through

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.

Rigorous end-to-end testing

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

Decades of air travel expertise

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

Speak to an expert about NDC

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. We'll handle the complexities so that you can make informed decisions. All New Distribution Capability content is thoroughly validated before rollout, ensuring it meets your needs.

Strong partnerships building on expertise

After years of using NDC, you can trust that we thoroughly understand air distribution, both inside and out. Alongside our long-standing relationships with airlines, global distribution systems (GDS), and travel aggregators, our team is well-equipped to navigate shifts in the airline industry and optimize air inventory.

Focus on service and relevance

NDC needs to be available, but more importantly, it needs to work! We only expand access to an airline's solution after rigorous testing. We prioritize airfare content that aligns with clients' booking processes, travel policies, and technology.

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.

Learn more about how we deploy NDC

Is NDC right for your travel program?

These are the main implications to be considered when introducing NDC content into your business travel program.

Program adjustments

Policies or workflows may need to be adjusted, especially to confirm that any fare inclusions align. Paid ancillaries within NDC bookings also still need to display in your reporting, duty of care systems, and spend tracking. If they don’t, you’re lacking complete visibility.

Pricing vs experience

Yes, you may see lower fares. However, there’s a trade-off: servicing complexity and response times could be affected. NDC fares can be harder to change. Your travel consultant may need to work manually to service an NDC booking.

Availability and compatibility

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

Our NDC portfolio

FCM is working with multiple airlines & global technology partners to launch NDC content. Note that availability and NDC connections depend on several factors, such as whether an airline restricts or distributes 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.

Browse through these resources for more on NDC

Questions to ask key NDC stakeholders

When building out a travel program RFP or updating your supplier contracts asking the right questions to the right stakeholders can really impact the outcome. Here are some key questions we advise you ask airlines, online booking tools and your travel management company about NDC.

Questions to ask yourself about your NDC supplier strategy | FCM Travel

Questions for your NDC supplier strategy

NDC has created a new list of considerations for companies when choosing air travel suppliers. Here are some key questions you should ask yourself to optimize your strategy.

Spotlight: Nicola Ping on state of NDC

Let's go behind the scenes of one of the industry's most complex and transformative developments: the New Distribution Capability (NDC).

FCM is first global TMC to achieve IATA NDC Level 4 Certification

FCM Travel Solutions and parent company Flight Centre Travel Group have become the first global travel management company to achieve NDC Level 4 certification by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), currently the highest level of IATA’s NDC certification program.

Why does NDC matter?

When it was first launched in the early 2010s by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), NDC drummed up a lot of excitement in the airline industry. This was the game-changing next step for airline distribution and travel agents, promising an easier way to sell ancillary services such as seat upgrades and 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 underway did not align with their service and business processes. And while NDC was intended to bring standardization to the way airlines distribute fares, NDC strategies vary among airlines. More industry stakeholders have since been involved in NDC 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, vacationers 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 a business traveler also needs to factor in the services of a travel management company and, likely, a travel risk provider. Travel programs have reporting capabilities and must consider additional existing systems. This complexity means that NDC adoption is not as easy.
How many airlines are using NDC?

Airlines are at different stages in their NDC journey. Additionally, if a large airline, such as British Airways or American Airlines, announces a change in its flight schedule, that will be prioritized over smaller airlines, which may not be as far ahead in their plans. Travel managers should speak to their TMC account manager or airline representative to discover where they are in their strategy to implement NDC.

Case study: Merging travel policies

Latest global travel trends report