Qatar Airways has launched its new Oryx Connect NDC product in the South African market, and it offers next-level retailing for travel agents. Agents should expect access to richer content including Fare Families and a selection of ancillary services such as baggage and seat selection.
In the South African environment, agents using Amadeus and Sabre will be able to interact with Qatar Airways and its partner airlines via a direct-connect API providing access to offers, flight availability, fares and ancillary products.
The product is currently available for travel agents who register for the product via the QR Trade Portal.
Travel News asked Fouad Caunhye, the airline’s Regional Manager Southern Africa, what the product is all about and how agents will benefit from signing up.
“Oryx Connect is an introduction to NDC with Qatar Airways. It is a way for agents to access ancillary products on Qatar and our partner airlines for GDS- generated bookings. Right now, agents who register will be able to access full content via their GDS-generated booking through Amadeus or Sabre.”
Caunhye says the full content Oryx Connect NDC product will roll out on April 1, when new commercial agreements are signed off with consortiums. These will be integrated with the new agreements.
“This needs to be a win-win for the airline and the agents, which includes access to negotiated fares and affiliated products with our partner airlines.”
What’s in it for agents?
Caunhye said if agents booked segments via Oryx Connect, there had to be something in it for them. They will have access to negotiated fares and whatever is offered on Oryx Connect or the Qatar website will be available via the new product.
“Agents will be able to make a booking in the GDS and book ancillaries on Oryx Connect, or they can book the flights and all ancillaries in Oryx Connect and benefit from direct content, passing it on to their customers.
“I encourage agents to sign up, get a feel for the product, explore and get used to it. NDC is the future, and our most important partnership remains the travel trade and Qatar is making the introduction to NDC as easy as possible.
“Consumers have become more digital, they want more at their disposal and a much higher level of personalisation, choice, transparency and cost flexibility. NDC enables travel capabilities, real time access and new value. With the Oryx Connect product, travel agents will have more opportunity to attract and retain customers and increase revenues.”
Caunhye confirmed that discussions are under way with Travelport with a view to giving Travelport agents the same access to Oryx Connect.
