United Airlines and Travelport are forming a long-term strategic partnership that is redefining collaboration between the airline and its multi-source content providers.
Under the new agreement, Travelport will receive early access to United’s NDC-enabled extras. Teams at both companies will also work together to co-develop and rapidly launch new tech features that benefit travel agencies and corporate buyers.
Among the highlights of the new agreement are a deeper level of technical collaboration than a traditional airline-distributor partnership, with a specific focus on developing new capabilities for Travelport+, the company’s all-in-one retailing platform for travel agencies.
United will also add its portfolio of Online Booking Tool (OBT) extras to Travelport+ and its Deem OBT platform. The carrier plans to introduce new capabilities, such as the “ability to pool unused United travel credits, directly enroll in the United MileagePlus loyalty program, use United Jetstream amenity funds as a form-of-payment for ancillary purchases, and more,” the airline said.
The partnership is a multi-year commitment between both companies.
"Our new model for cooperation with Travelport helps ensure that United's travel agencies and corporate buyers benefit from the most innovative retail travel solutions available," said Andrew Nocella, United’s executive vice president and chief commercial officer. "Together, we're setting a new standard for transparency, flexibility, and value in air travel distribution."
The new partnership will be launched in phases, starting in early 2026 and continuing to roll out throughout the year. United says it will offer specialized support teams to assist travel agencies with the transition and ensure the adoption of the new technology goes smoothly.
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