Summary
Travelsoft, a leading provider of travel technology solutions, has significantly expanded its offerings by gaining global access to the full range of NDC (New Distribution Capability) content from Lufthansa Group airlines, including Lufthansa, Swiss International Air Lines, Austrian Airlines, and Eurowings. This means Travelsoft’s clients – primarily travel agencies and corporate travel departments – can now access a wider variety of flight options, fares, and ancillary services directly from Lufthansa Group.
NDC is a modern, industry-wide standard that allows airlines to offer more personalized and dynamic travel content through their APIs (Application Programming Interfaces). Previously, access to the full NDC content was limited, often requiring direct connections to individual airlines. This limited the options available to travel professionals and, consequently, to their clients.
By integrating Lufthansa Group's NDC content, Travelsoft is empowering travel agencies and corporate travel managers to provide more competitive pricing, enhanced booking flexibility, and improved traveler experiences. This includes access to a broader range of fare classes, real-time availability updates, and the ability to book ancillary services like baggage, seat selection, and meals – all within a single platform.
The move is a significant step towards a more streamlined and efficient travel booking process. It addresses a key pain point for travel professionals – the fragmented nature of airline distribution. Instead of navigating multiple airline websites or relying on outdated systems, Travelsoft’s clients can access a comprehensive inventory of Lufthansa Group flights and services through a single, integrated platform. This ultimately benefits travelers by giving them more choices and a smoother booking experience. The expanded access will likely lead to increased competition and more attractive fare options as Travelsoft's platform becomes a more prominent channel for Lufthansa Group bookings.
Key Details
- Company Involved: Travelsoft (travel technology provider) and Lufthansa Group (Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian, Eurowings).
- Technology: NDC (New Distribution Capability)
- Scope of Access: Full NDC content from all Lufthansa Group airlines.
- Benefit: Travelsoft clients (travel agencies, corporate travel departments) gain access to a wider range of flight options, fares, and ancillary services.
- Platform: Travelsoft's existing travel technology platform.
- Goal: To streamline the travel booking process and enhance the traveler experience.
- Implementation: Integration of Lufthansa Group's NDC APIs into Travelsoft's platform.
- Focus: Enhanced booking flexibility and competitive pricing.
Geographical Information
| Location Name | Country/Region | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | Europe | Headquarters of Lufthansa Group. A major hub for European aviation. |
| Switzerland | Europe | Home to Swiss International Air Lines, a key member of the Lufthansa Group. |
| Austria | Europe | Home to Austrian Airlines, another key member of the Lufthansa Group. |
| Europe (General) | Europe | The primary geographic focus of Lufthansa Group's operations and this expansion. |
| Global | Worldwide | Travelsoft operates globally, expanding its Lufthansa Group offerings worldwide. |
Impact & Implications
- For Travelers:
- More choices: Wider range of flight options and fare classes.
- Enhanced booking flexibility: Easier access to ancillary services (baggage, seat selection, meals).
- Potentially better pricing: Increased competition due to wider distribution.
- Smoother booking experience: Integrated platform simplifies the booking process.
- Travel Restrictions/Requirements: This news doesn't directly impact travel restrictions. However, it can indirectly influence travel planning by offering more options for routes and fares. Travelers should always check the latest travel advisories and requirements for their destination.
- Safety Considerations: This news doesn't directly impact safety. Safety remains the responsibility of the airlines and relevant aviation authorities.
Additional Context
NDC is a crucial development in the airline industry. Historically, airlines relied heavily on Global Distribution Systems (GDS) like Amadeus, Sabre, and Travelport to distribute their fares and inventory. GDSs act as intermediaries, often adding fees and limiting the airlines’ control over pricing and content. NDC allows airlines to bypass some of these intermediaries and offer more direct and personalized booking experiences. This shift has been gradual but is accelerating as airlines seek greater control and efficiency in their distribution.
Original Source
Website: Breaking Travel News
URL: https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/travelsoft-now-offers-global-access-to-lufthansa-groups-full-ndc-content/
URL: https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/travelsoft-now-offers-global-access-to-lufthansa-groups-full-ndc-content/
