Delta’s recent distribution agreements with the three major Global Distribution Systems (GDSs) are set to revolutionize the way travel advisors access full content without incurring any additional charges on legacy systems. Senior Vice President of Global Sales, Bob Somers, announced the completion of multi-year agreements with two of the three GDSs, with the third agreement nearing finalization. This move ensures a full-content commitment across all channels while paving the way for New Distribution Capability (NDC) and enhanced displays on GDS platforms.
While specific details regarding the duration of these agreements remain undisclosed, Delta’s commitment to a value-based compensation model for GDSs persists. This model involves tiered payments based on the value of bookings made through these systems. The airline believes that by incentivizing GDSs to drive higher-revenue bookings, they will continue to invest in platform improvements, including upgrades to legacy displays and the implementation of NDC platforms.
During the Delta Business Showcase, Sara Reid, Managing Director of Sales Technology and Global Sales Support, provided an update on Delta’s NDC development. The airline aims to establish a basic selling solution in collaboration with technology partners such as Google, Accelya, ARC, and IATA by the end of the year. Testing of the NDC selling and servicing solution with select agency partners is scheduled to commence next year, allowing agencies to transition to Delta’s NDC solution at their own pace while retaining the option to utilize legacy GDS systems for booking Delta flights.
To assist agencies in adopting the new NDC solution, Delta has assembled an NDC consulting team to offer personalized guidance and education. By providing agencies with the flexibility to choose when to embrace the NDC solution, Delta aims to empower travel advisors to make a smooth transition to the new platform. Reid emphasized that agencies have full control over the adoption of Delta’s NDC solution and shopping through legacy GDS systems will remain an option for those agencies not ready to make the switch immediately.
Delta’s latest distribution agreements with GDSs signify a significant step towards enhancing the travel booking experience for both travel advisors and passengers. The commitment to full content access, value-based compensation models, and NDC development showcases Delta’s dedication to innovation and collaboration within the travel industry. With personalized support and guidance available for agencies looking to transition to the new NDC solution, Delta is paving the way for a seamless and efficient booking process in the future.