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When New Distribution Capability (NDC) was introduced by IATA in 2012 and officially launched in 2015, it was hailed as a bold leap forward in modernizing airline distribution. Fast-forward more than a decade, and NDC is no longer the “new kid on the block.”
It’s moved beyond the experimental phase, navigated its “terrible twos,” and now finds itself in the teenage years — curious, capable, but still figuring itself out.
The Teenage Traits of NDC
Like any adolescent, today’s NDC is:
- Curious – exploring possibilities and pushing the boundaries of traditional distribution
- Capable – delivering real value and showing measurable progress
- Still learning – building knowledge while navigating complexity
- Finding its identity – defining its long-term role in the future of travel retailing
The Growing Pains
With maturity comes challenges:
- Inconsistent adoption rates across regions and carriers
- Servicing gaps and integration hurdles
- A steep learning curve for agencies and tech providers
- Significant investments in time, training, and system development
The Foundations Are Stronger Than Ever
- Schema maturity is improving with each iteration
- Capabilities are being delivered and expanded in real-world scenarios
- The broader ecosystem is evolving, together
It’s worth remembering that EDIFACT — the backbone of legacy airline distribution — didn’t appear overnight. It took decades to layer standards, build systems, and create the support structures we rely on today.
Where We Are Now
We’re watching real-time iteration in action. Each airline is progressing at its own pace — some sprinting ahead, others pacing carefully — but the industry’s expectations are rising fast.
So, is NDC growing up? Absolutely. But like any maturing platform, it needs support, patience, and collaboration to thrive — not just pressure.
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