Skyscanner signs up to NDC Exchange bringing global reach and network effect

Community platform enables API connectivity between airlines and travel sellers Continue reading →

Travel metasearch website Skyscanner has joined the NDC Exchange platform that links traditional distribution methods to aviation body Iata’s new data standard.

ATPCO and SITA said the addition of Skyscanner and its considerable global reach will bring a network effect to the growing platform.

NDC Exchange enables content interoperability across the airline distribution ecosystem and is a trusted bridge between IATA New Distribution Capability (NDC) and traditional distribution methods.

“We are delighted to have joined NDC Exchange and are sure that the platform will bring many benefits to our partners, providing a consistent product offering across the entire travel distribution ecosystem.

“We want to bring airline products on Skyscanner’s site as close to the direct experience as possible, with carriers controlling their products and brand while benefiting from our traffic, and audience, across a range of devices,” said Hugh Aitken, senior commercial director of Skyscanner.

Each month, 80 million people use the Skyscanner website or its mobile app, which has been downloaded over 70 million times. Skyscanner’s products are offered in over 30 languages and 70 currencies.

NDC Exchange is a community platform that enables API connectivity between airlines and travel sellers, enabling them to exchange messages easily and cost-effectively.

NDC Exchange supports shopping, booking, and servicing workflows and enables the cross-selling of ancillary services among airlines, and between airlines and travel sellers.

Graham Wareham, director of distribution portfolio for ATPCO, said: “We are working very closely with airlines, distributors, and agencies of all sizes to help them progress their NDC solutions while respecting their business processes. NDC Exchange is a unique industry platform that allows airlines and sellers to integrate NDC into their business at the pace that best suits their business needs.”

NDC Exchange facilitates the real-time translation of XML messages, enabling airlines and travel sellers to quickly and efficiently connect to the platform regardless of their API schema or standard.

Once connected to NDC Exchange, airlines have access to all connected travel sellers, and those travel sellers have access to all connected airlines.

NDC Exchange offer settlement support through Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) and rich content and enhanced retailing capabilities through Routehappy by ATPCO.

Major airlines such as Air Canada, British Airways, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Finnair, and the LATAM Group are current members of the exchange.
NDC Exchange has earned a Level 3 NDC Capable certification, the highest level of certification offered by IATA.