Iata is seeking to dispel “myths and misinformation” about its New Distribution Capability with the launch of a dedicated blog site.
The site will provide updates, commentary and “thought leadership pieces” regarding the NDC initiative.
The NDC has provoked fierce opposition, particularly from the Business Travel Coalition which sees the new platform as a “fundamental change” in the business model for the pricing and sale of airline tickets and not just a technical standard-setting exercise as Iata claims.
About 200 travel managers have registered for a free webinar tomorrow (Friday) run by the BTC and the American Society of Travel Agents covering the impact of the NDC.
Since the approval of Resolution 787 covering NDC last October, a “vigorous public debate” has evolved on how the new communications standard between airlines and travel agents will impact the trade, Iata says.
“This includes considerable misinformation from some entrenched interests in current distribution standards.”
Iata passenger director Eric Leopold said: “NDC has energised the travel value chain. The NDC blog provides an opportunity to connect with stakeholders and the distribution community to share ideas, facts and information about this project.
“As such, it will be a reference point to correct the numerous myths and misinformation that have been introduced into the debate. NDC is an important Iata-led and industry-supported collaborative effort to modernise distribution. It’s important that it is debated on fact, not fiction.”