All Nippon Airways (ANA) has partnered with airline retailing specialist OpenJaw Technologies to create a New Distribution Capability (NDC) platform.
The carrier says the solution will “streamline communication between airlines and air ticket distributors” to provide benefits to those booking flights.
Ireland-based OpenJaw has a team of developers and specialists who will collaborate with ANA in the creation of the platform. The goal is to enable distribution partners to link directly to the airline’s reservation system.
ANA says the NDC platform “represents a shift in how tickets will be purchased through distributors” and provides more opportunities for passengers to customise their journey with optional extras.
ANA and OpenJaw are targeting a roll-out of the platform in the second half of this year.
Akihiko Miura, executive vice president of ANA, commented: “OpenJaw is a perfect partner for ANA since both companies place an emphasis on setting the standard for excellence in their respective industries. As we collaborate to streamline the booking process, ANA is proud to have a partner that shares its values.”
Kieron Branagan, CEO of OpenJaw, said: “We are proud to have been chosen as ANA’s preferred technology partner for NDC. According to IATA, the NDC standard will enable airlines to transform the way air products are retailed by addressing the industry’s current distribution limitations. OpenJaw is an IATA NDC and IATA One Order Strategic Partner with Level 3 NDC Certification and is committed to transforming airline retailing through the use of NDC standards.”
Mitsuo Tomita, senior vice president of ANA, added: “ANA always strives to innovate and bring the latest technology to passengers to improve safety, convenience and efficiency. NDC will enhance flexibility and have the potential to improve sales. We are planning to integrate the NDC platform in an intuitive way so that ANA will become Japan’s NDC leader.”
ana.co.jp; openjawtech.com