In the dynamic world of air travel, offering a streamlined and transparent travel booking experience is key to retaining customers in the long haul.
As such, online travel providers must stay abreast of the latest technological standards and initiatives – for instance, leveraging the New Distribution Capability (NDC). NDC standard aims to modernize how airlines retail their products to customers. Trip.com Group adopted NDC in 2016 with American Airlines through Travelfusion, setting a precedent in the industry, and aiming to enhance its service offerings.
Since its initial launch, Trip.com Group has expanded its NDC integration to include 30 airlines, covering regions, such as Europe, the Middle East, the Americas, North Asia, and Asia Pacific. This widespread connectivity enables Trip.com Group to offer competitive and diversified content to travelers, ensuring they have access to a broad range of options.
One of the key benefits of NDC is the ability to provide passengers with greater transparency about the products and services that they are purchasing. Trip.com Group utilizes this capability to ensure that customers fully understand the value of their tickets before purchase. Additionally, the platform displays Universal Product Attributes (UPAs) and amenities for NDC content through compelling images and detailed descriptions. Airlines can showcase their unique features and benefits, helping them stand out in a competitive market and attract customers with specific preferences.
"Trip.com Group has been leading the way in implementing NDC technology to offer personalized and dynamic content to customers, including tailored offers, bundled services, and ancillary products,” said Chee Teong Ooi, AVP of Trip.com Group. “We have closely collaborated with our airline partners to support their business strategies and have actively promoted adopting this cutting-edge technology. Our teams are continually working on further developments to enhance the synergy between customers, airlines, and distributors."
Trip.com Group’s NDC integration also supports ancillary purchases, such as baggage and seat selection, both during the booking process and after ticket issuance. The platform’s auto-servicing, and Order Change Notification features further streamline the travel experience, ensuring that customers receive timely updates and can easily manage their bookings. This innovative approach has contributed to Trip.com Group experiencing growth of over 90% in the NDC segment in the first half of this year.
While NDC has brought significant advancements, there are still challenges to address and optimizations to be made. Trip.com Group remains dedicated to working with airlines and technology partners to enhance the scalability and functionality of NDC shopping. This collaborative effort is essential for continually improving the travel experience and meeting the evolving needs of travelers.
Trip.com Group’s implementation of NDC has been a transformative step in its mission to provide superior service and transparency in airline retailing. By expanding global connectivity, improving user experience, and addressing industry challenges, Trip.com Group exemplifies the potential of NDC to reshape the future of air travel.
Charles Xu
Senior Global PR Manager, Trip.com Group
