NDC is a standard defined by IATA (International Air Transport Association). It’s an XML based data exchange format that changes how airlines distribute offers, discounted fares, seats, baggage and ancillary services through intermediaries (travel agents, OTAs) or direct channels. Instead of the older GDS/EDIFACT way, NDC lets airlines send “rich content” and dynamic offers such as personalized pricing, bundled services and real time availability.

Why NDC is important and how it benefits travel distribution

• It allows product differentiation (extra baggage, premium seats, meal options, WiFi)
• Enables dynamic pricing and real time offers
• Improves transparency: the customer can see all the options and costs rather than fixed fare classes.
• Helps airlines reduce dependency on legacy systems and GDSs, potentially lower distribution costs.

Industry adoption & statistics

As of 2025, over 60% of airlines have adopted NDC to some degree.
More than 66 airlines are actively implementing the NDC standard, many processing millions of transactions.
In 2022, about 10% of travel agency air sales were made via NDC channels.
IATA has set an aspirational goal that by 2030, Offers & Orders (the full capability of NDC style distribution) should be available to all airlines that want to use them.

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