Nairobi, Kenya — August 2023
In short: Major East African full-service carriers operate on Amadeus distribution infrastructure but not NDC.
Amadeus Distribution vs NDC
The News
According to Travel Distribution News, most major East African full-service airlines have integrated their booking systems with Amadeus, the leading travel distribution system, but have not activated the National Distribution Capability (NDC) features that would allow them to sell directly to travel agents and online travel agencies. This integration provides Amadeus control over the airlines’ retail infrastructure, from booking engines to check-in processes, but leaves the airlines unable to leverage NDC’s potential to reach a broader distribution network.
Industry Context
This situation reflects a common trend among airlines worldwide—prioritizing integration with established distribution platforms like Amadeus over adopting NDC, which is designed to enable airlines to sell directly to travel agents and online channels. While Amadeus-hosted systems streamline internal processes, they do not provide the competitive edge of NDC, which could allow airlines to expand their reach and increase revenue through indirect sales channels.
Key Details
- Amadeus Integration: All major East African full-service carriers use Amadeus for booking, management, and check-in processes.
- NDC Status: Despite using Amadeus, these airlines have not activated NDC, missing out on its direct sales benefits.
- Timeline: No specific timeline for NDC activation is mentioned in the source.
What Travel Professionals Should Know
For Travel Management Companies (TMCs) and other intermediaries managing corporate travel in East Africa, this development means that airlines in the region may continue to rely heavily on traditional distribution channels, potentially limiting access to competitive pricing and flexible booking options. TMCs should explore alternative partnerships or direct booking strategies to ensure they can offer their corporate clients the most competitive rates and booking flexibility available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NDC?
NDC (National Distribution Capability) is a standard that enables airlines to sell directly to travel agents and online travel agencies, bypassing traditional distribution channels.
Which travel trade segments does this affect?
This primarily affects TMCs, corporate travel managers, and other intermediaries that rely on airline distribution channels for booking and pricing.
When does this take effect?
No specific effective date is provided in the source article.
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