Airlines increasingly save their best offers for NDC channels, yet GDSs still carry most agency bookings. Here's how to decide what to integrate, and why most agencies will need both.
A Quick Refresher
Global distribution systems (GDSs) such as Amadeus, Sabre and Travelport have connected airlines and travel agencies for decades. They offer standardised fares, availability and ticketing across hundreds of carriers through one connection.
NDC, IATA's New Distribution Capability, is an XML standard that lets airlines send richer offers directly to sellers: branded fares, bundles, seat and bag options, images and personalised prices. Airlines can distribute NDC content directly, through aggregators or through the GDSs' own NDC programmes.
Where GDS Still Wins
- Broad coverage of full-service airlines through one contract
- Mature, well-understood servicing: exchanges, refunds and schedule changes
- Easy combination of air, hotel and car in one PNR
- Familiar workflows for agents and mid-office systems
Where NDC Adds Value
- Access to fares and bundles some airlines only sell via NDC
- Rich content that helps travellers compare fare families
- More ancillary revenue from seats, bags and extras
- Potential savings where airlines add surcharges to GDS bookings
The Practical Answer: Blend Both
For most agencies the question is not GDS or NDC but how to show both side by side. A well-designed integration layer searches GDS, NDC and low-cost carrier sources in parallel, normalises the results and presents the best options with clear fare-family comparisons.
Start with your top airlines by revenue. If they offer meaningful NDC content in your markets, connect it directly or through an aggregator, and keep your GDS for broad coverage and complex itineraries. Make sure your mid-office and accounting processes can handle NDC orders, which don't always look like traditional tickets.
How We Can Help
Marstech Solution builds flight engines that combine GDS, NDC and LCC content in one search. If you're planning your NDC strategy, talk to our team for a no-obligation review of your airline mix and technology options.
