In the world of airline booking systems, two technologies dominate the landscape: GDS VS NDC
In the world of airline booking systems, two technologies dominate the landscape: Global Distribution Systems (GDS) and New Distribution Capability (NDC). While both systems serve the same purpose of facilitating airline ticket sales, they differ in a number of important ways. We'll explore the key differences between GDS and NDC.
Global Distribution Systems (GDS):
GDS is a technology platform that connects travel agents and online travel agencies (OTAs) with airlines, hotels, car rental companies, and other travel service providers. The GDS enables travel agents and OTAs to access real-time availability, pricing, and booking information from multiple travel service providers through a single interface.travel
GDSs have been around since the 1960s and have evolved significantly over the years. The major GDSs today are Amadeus, Sabre, and Travelport (which owns the Worldspan and Galileo systems).
One of the main advantages of GDSs is their ability to provide a broad range of content from different airlines, making it easy for travel agents to compare fares and schedules across multiple carriers. GDSs also offer a variety of other services, such as seat selection, meal requests, and baggage allowances.
However, GDSs have some limitations. For example, they often charge airlines high fees for access to their distribution channels, which can make it difficult for smaller airlines to compete with larger carriers. Additionally, GDSs are limited in their ability to offer customized, personalized travel experiences.
New Distribution Capability (NDC):
NDC is a new XML-based data transmission standard developed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) that enables airlines to distribute their content directly to travel agents and other distribution partners. NDC enables airlines to provide a richer, more personalized travel experience, with more detailed information about fare types, ancillary services, and seat selection.
NDC enables airlines to offer their customers a more personalized and tailored travel experience. For example, an airline could offer a passenger a specific meal or drink based on their preferences, or provide targeted offers for ancillary services like extra baggage or lounge access.
One of the key advantages of NDC is that it allows airlines to offer their content to travel agents and other distribution partners without paying high fees to GDSs. This can make it easier for smaller airlines to compete with larger carriers by offering their content directly to customers.
However, NDC has some limitations as well. For example, it can be challenging for travel agents and OTAs to integrate NDC content into their existing booking systems, and not all airlines have adopted the NDC standard yet.
While both GDS and NDC serve the same purpose of facilitating airline ticket sales, they differ in a number of important ways. GDSs provide a broad range of content from different airlines, making it easy for travel agents to compare fares and schedules across multiple carriers, while NDC enables airlines to provide a richer, more personalized travel experience. As the travel industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how GDSs and NDC continue to compete and coexist.
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