Etihad Airways Launched New Distribution Capability

Etihad Airways has haunched a new distribution capability partnership with Travelfusion

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has partnered with Travelfusion as it continues its New Distribution Capability (NDC) strategy launched earlier this year.

The venture will provide access for travel agents and corporate clients to Etihad’s content and enhance the sales distribution of tickets and ancillaries. Travelfusion will make use of the airline’s International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) certified NDC platform to provide all relevant booking information such as cabin details, fare rules, baggage allowances, as well as access to book flights.

Dieter Westermann, Vice President Revenue Management, Etihad Airways, said: “The adoption of NDC is a major milestone and partnering with Travelfusion gives us the ability to connect with new-age travel technology companies, as well as forge stronger relationships with travel agents and corporate clients. Connecting through Travelfusion benefits the travel trade and reduces the investment required to build an independent IT system.”

Moshe Rafiah, CEO, Travelfusion, said: “Travelfusion has been a pioneer in NDC since the birth of the programme and we are very pleased with the opportunity to bring our experience to bear in working with Etihad Airways in this exciting new dimension in their distribution strategy.”

Earlier this year, Etihad Airways secured the NDC Level 3 certification, a status given by IATA recognising the airline’s adoption of NDC technology. NDC enhances communication between the airline industry and travel agents, which allows for more effective merchandising, access to rich content regarding the travel experience, and product personalisation.

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