Direct Connect in Europe: Airline Retail on the Edge

Summary

For nearly two years, the Lufthansa Group was alone in Europe in its efforts to establish direct connect as a new standard in airline distribution. With fresh and strong support from the IAG Group as well as some significant changes within the corporate sector, the New Distribution Capability (NDC) finally seems poised to become a real standard in airline distribution.

Direct connect in Europe seems ready for takeoff, and travel sellers of all types should determine whether they are ready to board. This analysis focuses on the status of airline distribution hin Europe and the outlook for airlines, online travel agencies (OTAs), travel management companies (TMCs), corporations, global distribution systems (GDSs) and technology providers.