Southwest Airlines in the US has signed an agreement with Serko to provide NDC content in the travel and expense management technology provider’s Zeno platform.
Under the agreement, Zeno will be the first online booking tool to provide Southwest content via the ATPCO NDC Exchange.
The deal means Zeno clients will be able to shop, book, ticket and change Southwest Airlines flights. According to Serko, the connection also allows the purchase of EarlyBird Check-in during initial booking as well as post ticketing.
Rob Brown, senior director of sales strategy and B2B channels at Southwest Airlines, commented: “We’re excited to partner with Serko to bring the full Southwest experience into the corporate online booking tool market. Southwest is a true innovator in the airline space and this partnership is one that we expect will help bring our business-friendly innovations into the business travel world.”
Serko CEO Darrin Grafton added: “Zeno is built around the philosophy of ‘no more compromise’, ensuring the traveller, travel manager, supplier and travel management companies all benefit from new advancements like NDC. This agreement with Southwest allows both companies to showcase the future of airline retailing, bringing the rich consumer experience of the Southwest brand and access to the full range of the Southwest offering within the corporate travel policy framework.”
Southwest content is expected to be available to Zeno users in North America from 1 October 2019. The OBT is offered by CWT in North America.
serko.com; southwest.com