NDC (New Distribution Capability)

An IATA standard for delivering rich airline content (fares, ancillaries, personalisation) directly into booking systems. It was created to let airlines distribute more detailed offers — bundled fares, seat options, loyalty benefits — than traditional GDS messaging supports. Corporate booking tools are increasingly adding NDC connections alongside their existing GDS content to give travellers access to this richer fare information.

IATA launched the NDC programme in 2012 to modernise how airlines sell through intermediaries. The standard uses modern XML-based messaging, which allows an airline to send a complete offer — the fare, what it includes, seat maps, baggage options, photos of the cabin and even personalised prices — directly to a travel agency or booking platform. In the traditional GDS model, much of this information either could not be shown or had to be bought and processed separately. The standard also supports modern offer and order management, meaning the airline controls how its products are packaged and priced for each individual request.

For corporate travel, NDC brings both opportunities and challenges. On the positive side, travellers see a clearer picture of what they are paying for, and some fares or bundles may be available only through NDC channels. On the other hand, servicing NDC bookings — changes, refunds and disruption handling — has historically been less mature than for GDS bookings, and content is now spread across more channels. Companies therefore need a booking tool that brings NDC and non-NDC content together and presents it in one consistent search. Adoption has accelerated in recent years, with several major airline groups moving an increasing share of their content and best fares to NDC channels.

Tumodo's aim is to give travellers the full picture regardless of where a fare comes from. Flights from 500+ airlines are compared side by side, fare options are shown for each flight, and extras such as seat selection can be added at the time of booking or later — within the limits set by the company's travel policy. If the company has its own airline contract, Tumodo uploads it into the system so that corporate discounts and bonuses apply directly on the platform.