Air India becomes the first Indian airline to implement its new distribution capability (NDC), Ettravelworld

An Air India plane

Air India has become the first Indian carrier to successfully implement new distribution capability (MDM), an advanced technology developed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). This major milestone is transforming how India offers its products to travel agents, corporates, leisure and business travelers.

By adopting IATA’s latest NDC scheme 21.3, Air India aims to develop interactions with its travel partners and streamline the booking process for customers. NDC enables travel agents to travel agents to access real-time offers, ancillary services and travel families that were previously unavailable with traditional distribution systems. This will enable customers to make personalized, transparent bookings that include exclusive deals and eligible flight packages.

NDC is a travel industry support program initiated by IATA for the development and market adoption of a new, XML-based data transfer standard. MDM increases the way of retail sales of air products in various channels. For Air India’s travel partners, this means access to a wider variety of offers and services, such as special flight packages and ancillary products, available in real-time. Customers can expect an easier ordering process with greater transparency and access to the best deals across all sales channels.

Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India, said, “Implementing MDM is an important milestone in the implementation of MTK as we continue to update and evolve our distribution strategy. The journey is to provide a seamless and efficient booking experience for our travel partners and customers.”

Travel agents worldwide can connect directly to Air India’s MDC and access a richer and more diverse set of content, including NDC exclusive offers and travel families, previously unavailable through traditional distribution channels. This will enhance the overall booking and travel experience for its customers.

Beginning September 03, 2024, Customers will continue to book Vistara travel or flights with Vistara until November 12, 2024, on a rolling basis.

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