American Express Global Business Travel (GBT) has signed a global NDC content agreement with the Lufthansa Group, which includes Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa, Swiss and Brussels Airlines. The agreement will give GBT's corporate customers fee-free access to all Lufthansa Group airlines’ NDC content via the global distribution systems (GDSs).
The agreement means Lufthansa Group airlines’ NDC content will be available through the Neo online booking tool from early 2021 as well as from the TMC’s travel consultants. Travel managers wanting access to the fares from a different OBT will need to contact their provider to discuss the timeline for availability of this content.
The TMC said the first stage of implementation would focus on Lufthansa Group airlines’ Light Fares - which include no baggage or seat selection - and continuous pricing but that the companies were working together on “bringing new NDC content to customers”.
Michael Qualantone, GBT’s chief revenue officer, said: “By working together, GBT, Lufthansa Group airlines and the GDSs have taken an important step towards providing business travellers with access to all NDC content in a way that makes shopping and comparison easier for travellers, and allows GBT to continue to deliver the servicing our customers desire while minimising fees and costs.
“GBT and Lufthansa Group airlines want to set a positive example by ensuring NDC remains focused on customer value. Particularly in the current environment, our goals across the travel and aviation sectors have never been more aligned.”
Heike Birlenbach, senior vice president sales for Lufthansa Group network airlines, said: “This NDC partnership with GBT fosters modern airline retailing for the benefit of our corporate customers. Together we will provide customers with access to the most attractive NDC Smart Offer while enhancing the end-to-end experience of our product innovations for all partners in the value chain.”