Duffel - How does NDC compare to a GDS? – Duffel (2024)

Introduction

New Distribution Capability (NDC) is transforming the airline retailing landscape from the Global Distribution Systems (GDSs) that have defined the industry for decades. As a travel seller, it’s important to understand your options to help you build a successful business.

Discover how GDSs using EDIFACT compare to the modern NDC standard.

ConnectionNDCTraditional GDS
Airline coverageLimitedVery good
Access to lowest faresYesLimited
Distribution surcharge (Also known as GDS or EDIFACT fee)NoYes
Dynamic / personalised pricingYesNo
Continuous pricingYesNo
Rich content such as images and videoYesNo
Support for paid ancillaries such as seats and bagsFullLimited
ChangesLimitedYes
CancellationsYesYes

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Comparison summary

NDC enables more product differentiation, faster go-to-market, better personalisation, and improved flexibility and transparency. However, NDC is not currently available across all airlines so travel sellers might need to integrate with multiple content providers depending on business needs.

Traditional GDSs have the largest breadth of airline connections, however, they have restricted product offerings, a lack of personalisation, and no support for rich content.

What are the benefits of NDC?

Learn more about how NDC improves airline retailing and customer experiencesand explore exclusive NDC content from each airline.

Read more

GDSs implementing NDC

Since NDC is open to all technology providers, GDSs can also choose to integrate and access airlines' NDC content.

  • Amadeus has started to sign initial NDC airline agreements and has announced its launch of NDC in the United States. Amadeus plans to make more NDC-sourced content available to their travel sellers as integrations are completed.
  • Travelport offers access to NDC from a limited number of airlines and allows travel agents to book and manage NDC content directly with existing workflows on Travelport+.
  • Sabre plans to activate additional airlines and capabilities in 2022 in addition to a few live airlines.
Duffel - How does NDC compare to a GDS? – Duffel (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between NDC and GDS? ›

In conclusion, while both GDS Fares and NDC Fares serve the fundamental purpose of distributing airfares, they represent distinct paradigms in travel distribution. GDSs offer wide-reaching distribution capabilities and standardized processes, whereas NDC enables personalized offers and innovative fare products.

What is the NDC fare in airlines? ›

New Distribution Capability (NDC) is a travel industry standard that aims to enhance communication and data exchange between airlines and airfare sellers, allowing for more personalized and dynamic airfare and ancillary service offerings.

What are the benefits of NDC airlines? ›

NDC is a new standard of transmitting data, developed by IATA, that allows airlines to distribute their content (auxiliaries like booking your baggage, Wi-Fi and meals separately) in real-time. Many airlines see NDC as an enabler to deliver better content to everyone and therefore improve the travel experience.

What is an NDC aggregator? ›

An NDC (New Distribution Capability) aggregator is a technology platform that connects airlines with travel agencies and other travel sellers, allowing them to access and distribute airline content using the latest NDC technology standards.

What does NDC mean in GDS? ›

New Distribution Capability (NDC) is transforming the airline retailing landscape from the Global Distribution Systems (GDSs) that have defined the industry for decades.

What is NDC? ›

The NDC, or National Drug Code, is a unique 10-digit, 3-segment number. It is a universal product identifier for human drugs in the United States. The code is present on all nonprescription (OTC) and prescription medication packages and inserts in the US.

Are NDC fares cheaper? ›

NDC airfares are generally lower in price than non-NDC, or standard, fares. While many fares are in the Basic Economy category, they're not restricted to it; you can find Main Cabin, Premium, Business, and First Class fares in NDC as well.

What is the disadvantage of NDC? ›

Downsides of NDC in travel

Implementation of NDC is a costly process. Besides, there is no compulsion to become NDC compliant for airlines or online travel agents. There is no specific standard for implementing NDC, as the airline's IT provider can create a unique system for the client.

What does NDC stand for in airlines? ›

New Distribution Capability (NDC) is a data exchange format based on Offer and Order management processes for airlines to create and distribute relevant offers to the customer regardless of the distribution channel.

Why are airlines moving to NDC? ›

At its root, NDC is able to deliver a more personalized and efficient travel experience and - most importantly to AA and other airlines - sell its products the way it wants and through a more cost-effective model.

What is the importance of NDC? ›

The NDC formulates policies for various sectors, such as agriculture, industry, and infrastructure. It aims to promote balanced economic development in the country. The Prime Minister of India chairs the Council.

What is GDS in airlines? ›

A global distribution system (GDS) links reservation inventory under one computer-based network. The most common uses for GDSs is in the tourism industry, mainly for airlines, hospitality companies, and car rental companies.

Does NDC replace GDS? ›

NDC can potentially reduce distribution costs for airlines by cutting out GDS fees. GDSs charge airlines fees for distributing their content but offer access to a wide network of travel agencies.

What does an NDC tell you? ›

Each listed drug product listed is assigned a unique 10-digit, 3-segment number. This number, known as the NDC, identifies the labeler, product, and trade package size.

How many airlines have NDC? ›

60+ airlines hold certifications with varying levels of support for modern retailing capabilities. The new certification format IATA Airline Retailing Maturity (ARM) index replaces the previous four levels of certification: NDC@Scale, NDC Level 4, NDC Level 3, and NDC Level 2.

What does NDC mean in postal service? ›

Network Distribution Centers — NDCs consolidate the processing of mail to increase. operational efficiency, decrease costs and maintain service while expanding the surface. transportation reach. Formerly Bulk Mail Centers (BMCs)

What does NDC mean in travel industry? ›

New Distribution Capability (NDC) is a data exchange format based on Offer and Order management processes for airlines to create and distribute relevant offers to the customer regardless of the distribution channel. ​​​​

What is the difference between NDC and UPC? ›

While both codes are used for product identification, they serve different purposes. UPCs are used for retail purposes, while NDC numbers are used specifically for prescription medications in the healthcare industry.

What is the difference between IRS ads and GDS? ›

The alternative depreciation system enables taxpayers to extend the number of years they can depreciate an asset. The general depreciation system (GDS) allows taxpayers to accelerate the asset's depreciation rate by recording a larger depreciation amount during the early years of an asset's useful life.

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