British Airways has launched a new NDC development with travel search firm Kayak.
Kayak is integrating BA in its booking path by using the airline’s already developed NDC. It means travellers can directly book British Airways flights through Kayak websites.
NDC is a travel industry-supported programme launched by IATA which will give airlines the ability to distribute all their content through third parties and “enhance” communications between carriers and agents.
The NDC launch, which will see passengers able to book both direct and connecting flights, also allows Kayak users to pay for their preferred seat on British Airways flights via their site. Previously this could only be done on BA.com.
“There’s a great impetus behind NDC now and we’re seeing real interest and engagement from the travel industry,” said Ian Luck head of distribution for British Airways.
“It’s a great way to bring our products and services to life. It demonstrates the real value that British Airways offers, including all of the elements that go in to the fare, enabling them to manage bookings in a way that was previously only available on ba.com.”
Other recent NDC developments from the airline have included the ability to pre-book additional luggage, advise the airline of catering requests (pre-order in Club World and First, pre-paid enhanced meal options in World Traveller and World Traveller Plus and special meal orders), add Executive Club and On Business numbers to bookings and pay British Airways via IATA's Billing and Settlement Plan.
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