Turkish Airlines has announced the launch of its NDC offering, TKCONNECT from October 1 this year. GDS (Edifact) flight bookings will incur a surcharge from this date.
The airline said in a statement that the new platform would offer travel agencies a wide range of exclusive features and privileges such as differentiated ticket pricing, NDC-only promotional fares, content with visuals and descriptions, and enhanced ancillary services such as excess baggage, seat selection and special equipment. Turkish Airlines’ NDC promises a tailored marketplace with differentiated products and services.
TKCONNECT will be offered to travel agencies in three options:
1. TKCONNECT Direct, with access to Turkish Airlines content through Iata-certified NDC APIs;
2. TKCONNECT via Aggregator, which will be integrated into Iata-registered and Turkish Airlines-certified technology partners;
3. TKCONNECT User Interface, with instant fares, inventory and services on a user-friendly web-based booking portal.
Turkish Airlines’ content can still be accessed through GDS after October 1, but bookings made will incur a distribution cost charge. Additionally, new content will only be available for TKCONNECT NDC users. The airline has not yet specified how much the surcharge on GDS bookings will be.
“As Turkish Airlines, we offer TKCONNECT to our business partners and travel agencies as a result of our goal to always offer advanced technology in a user-friendly way,” said Ahmet Olmustur, the carrier’s Chief Commercial Officer. Olmustur explained that it would be a milestone in the airline’s mission to enhance passenger experiences and support commercial partners.
“By developing the latest version of NDC ourselves, we offer richer content and personalised options to our partners, thus ensuring the satisfaction of both our partners and customers,” said the airline.
