Platform allows content to be shared between airlines and sellers
Southwest Airlines joins NDC Exchange to make its content more accessible
Southwest Airlines has joined the NDC Exchange platform to make content more accessible to business travellers.
The platform was created by ATPCO and SITA to allow content to be shared and exchanged between airlines and sellers using NDC, new distribution capability. NDC Exchange enables NDC API format translation for parties including GDS’s, travel agents, aggregators, OTA’s and travel management companies.
Southwest will still have complete control over which sellers have access to its content and their focus continues to be the corporate travel sector for this distribution channel.
Through the partnership, the airline now has a way to connect and expand its offers to multiple distribution points.
Southwest can show how it can help business travellers while NDC Exchange facilitates technical aspects including onboarding and providing around the clock service to support sellers.
Rob Brown, Southwest senior director of B2B strategy, said: “By partnering with NDC Exchange, we are making our API more accessible. This new addition to our no-cost multichannel distribution portfolio will drive consistency while providing necessary functionality needed to support out business customers.
“Corporate travel managers and travellers will have access to our everyday low fares and enjoy an easy and hassle-free experience from the same Southwest they know and love when booking via this channel.”
Southwest aims to begin its first NDC Exchange bookings by the end of the summer.
Graham Wareham, ATPCO director of NDC and partnerships, commented: “Southwest Airlines is a welcomed new addition to the NDC Exchange family.
“We are seeing a steady growth of airlines and sellers alike to the platform, and with this continued momentum and more subscribers, the value only increases for the industry.”
