New Distribution Capability (NDC) has broadly been accepted as a positive step in bringing value, and eventually greater efficiency, to the airline distribution chain.

But, it’s not an overnight process.

The "Direct and Connected - Is NDC Ready for Take-Off?" session at Phocuswright Europe 2019 highlighted the opportunities seen by online travel agencies and other intermediaries.

Panelists from Amadeus, Hopper and Skyscanner spoke of the benefits of the technology standard in terms of improving the shopping experience and improving how airlines present their products and services.

Brian Carroll, vice president of corporate development at Hopper, said the company sees it as a huge opportunity for a mobile-only OTA and spoke of the opportunities that mobile opens up to airlines through NDC.

Filip Filipov, vice president, product management at Skyscanner, added that airlines that have invested in upgrading their product will hopefully be able to demonstrate how they are different during the shopping and booking phases.

The panel, which was chaired by Phocuswright analyst Dirk Rogl and also included Stefan Betz, head of strategy, commercials and customer engagements at Amadeus, also stressed that it would take time.

Betz advised not to “underestimate the level of change” required, while Filipov added:

“We’re still not even teenagers with the standard.”

Check out the full session here: