BA extends NDC with Dubai's TPConnects

TPConnects has now integrated directly to BA’s NDC APIs with a b2b reseller platform and Internet booking engine for online travel agencies.

Rajendran Vellapalath, TPConnects' Chief Executive Officer, said travel agents using the company’s Travel Aggregator Platform or Internet booking engine can now directly access BA offerings, including ancillary products, and perform after-sales like refunds as well as date and flight changes.

“Moreover, travel agents will have the ability to offer personalised products benefitting the end consumer,” explained Vellapalath. “With this direct connect integration, travel agents can also access rich content that includes videos, pictures and personalised preferences both in the b2b and online channel that presently portrays only commoditised data, such as schedules and fares, with no explanation regarding the product.”

The CEO added that the tie-up will give OTAs increased transparency including branded fares. “This direct connection increases the value proposition of the travel agent channel, by enabling agents globally to access the same rich content and targeted offerings available on BA.com and allows them to change the manner in which they offer airline products to their end customers and corporate buyers,” he said. 

The NDC Standard enhances communications between airlines and travel agents delivering lower cost, innovation, ease of comparison and interoperability. With NDC, the 69,500 plus IATA accredited Travel Agencies who globally contribute almost 53% of the airline revenues yearly, can view and sell products that are typically only available on airline websites including personalised shopping, fare family products and rich media.