IATA defends distribution plans

IATA defends distribution plans
By admin


Claims the International Air Transport Association's New Distribution Capability will endanger neutral comparison shopping have been described as "flawed" by the aviation body.

Responding to comments made by the Word Travel Agents Associations Alliance (WTAAA), IATA argued that not all airlines currently make all their fares available through global distribution systems, making comprehensive comparison impossible.

"Furthermore, a number of airlines do not participate in GDSs at all," IATA said. "These are commercial decisions made by airlines, not related to the technical standard that is used."

It insisted the aim of the NDC is "full price transparency", disclosing airline offers in addition to base fares and stimulating competition between airlines "across the spectrum" of products and services, with the end result being lower fares.

WTAAA's concerns the new system would require the disclosure of consumers' personal data are also unfounded, IATA said, with no more information needed than currently necessary through GDSs.

In addition, the aviation body sought to alleviate WTAAA's worries about the cost of the NDC, highlighting pilot program's which would help it identify the costs involved with updating the indirect distribution system.

"IATA recognises that the costs involved will vary between the various industry stakeholders that decide to adopt the new standard," it said.

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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