Amadeus has announced that American Express Global Business Travel (GBT) and Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT) have joined its NDC-X programme to pilot the development of the firm’s New Distribution Capability-enabled solution.
The two TMCs will use Amadeus’ solution to test and familiarise itself with the ‘shop, order, pay’ flow of NDC. Amadeus says this will help them prepare to implement an industrialised version of the solution, which will include servicing capabilities, in 2019.
Amadeus says the agreement means Amex GBT and CWT will have access to NDC content in addition to that already available through the GDS.
The news comes after fellow GDS provider Sabre announced both TMCs had joined as launch partners for its Beyond NDC programme.
The NDC-X programme brings together all NDC initiatives across Amadeus to work with several airlines and agencies to drive adoption of the new standard.
Amadeus renewed its Level 3 status as an IT provider in June and became the first company to also achieve Level 3 as an aggregator, meaning it can demonstrate the ability to execute offer and order management.
Michael Qualantone, executive vice president of global supplier relations at Amex GBT, said: “By working with Amadeus we already have access to a broad array of travel content. Now with NDC, we’ll be able to offer even more to our clients. This content will be available through all points of sale, whether digital self-service or agent tools. No matter how the industry evolves, cost efficiency and service quality are always going to be among our top priorities, and working on the NDC-X programme with Amadeus, our longstanding distribution partner, enables us to achieve this.”
Vince Chirico, SVP of global network and technology partners at CWT, commented: "We're pleased tp be part of the NDC-X programme and look forward to working with all our industry partners on making this a success. Partnering with the GDS is the fastest way to realise the potential of NDC, delivering enhanced choice for our corporate traveller customers and transforming the traveller experience."
Gianni Pisanello, VP of the NDC-X programme at Amadeus, added: “Collaboration is key to ensure NDC works for the industry and benefits all players, including the traveller. Having an innovative and customer service-driven partner like American Express GBT join our NDC-X programme and work with our NDC-enabled solution is a great milestone as we prepare for global deployment next year.
"It's great to have CWT on board as part of NDC-X. Working with innovative, forward-thinking partners such as CWT will allow us to ensure that our solutions provide the right content and functionalities for a wide spectrum of business needs. Our programme is gaining real traction, with a flurry of announcements so far this year as we bring leading travel sellers and airlines together to drive progress with NDC."
amadeus.com; amexglobalbusinesstravel.com; carlsonwagonlit.com