by Donald Wood
Last updated: 12:16 PM ET, Tue June 5, 2018
Airlines across the United States are focusing heavily on appealing to travel agents by implementing a new system meant to make it easier to sell not only flights, but extras that can help increase commissions.
According to Reuters.com, the new distribution capability (NDC) allows airlines to provide a more engaging visual approach to help travel agents sell seat upgrades, meal options, lounge access and flight choices.
With better online visuals allowing clients to plan every aspect of their flight, airlines will use the system to appeal to a travel agent and third-party website community that accounts for around 70 percent of tickets sold each year.
Through the NDC system, travel agents will be able to access the information provided by airlines regarding onboard amenities, including Wi-Fi, plane type, and entertainment options.
"When you know that airlines are investing billions in these options and experiences... you can imagine how happy we are to be able to communicate and try to market these options to the passenger," International Air Transport Association (IATA) director general Alexandre de Juniac told Reuters.
With selling extras so important to the airline industry, the system will give agents the chance to purchase seat upgrades, extra baggage, lounge access and non-airline items such as hotels, car rentals and restaurant reservations through their favorite carrier.
While the NDC is being supported by major airlines such as American, British Airways, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways and Singapore, the system has created waves with other traditional distribution systems such as Amadeus, Sabre and Travelport.
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