Turkish Airlines has revealed the aggregators that will support the expansion of its New Distribution Capability (NDC) content through its TKConnect platform. This strategic move is set to provide travel agencies with enhanced access to the airline’s vast global network and services.
The aggregators partnering with TKConnect include industry leaders Travelfusion, Verteil, Drct, Mystifly, Nuua, Nuflights, and Theta. These companies are known for their robust distribution solutions, and their collaboration with Turkish Airlines is expected to significantly boost the reach and effectiveness of the airline’s NDC platform.
“These aggregators have a proven track record of delivering top-tier distribution solutions, and their expertise will be instrumental in maximizing the reach and impact of TKConnect,” said Ahmet Olmustur, Chief Commercial Officer of Turkish Airlines, in a statement.
This development follows Turkish Airlines’ decision to withdraw its content from Sabre channels as of September 1st. Additionally, a report from BTN stablemate The Beat indicated that the airline’s agreement with Amadeus is set to expire on September 30th. Meanwhile, Travelport, another global distribution system (GDS), announced in August that it had extended its “long-term agreement” with Turkish Airlines. The extension is aimed at enhancing modern retailing capabilities in Travelport Plus, particularly in customizing offers for group bookings.
However, the statement from Travelport did not clarify the status of its distribution agreement specifically for travel agencies, and the company has yet to respond to requests for further details.
Turkish Airlines initially announced in May that it would launch its NDC platform, TKConnect, on October 1st. Coinciding with this launch, the airline plans to implement a new, yet-to-be-disclosed surcharge on GDS bookings globally.
This shift towards NDC and the partnerships with leading aggregators underscore Turkish Airlines’ commitment to modernizing its distribution channels, offering more tailored and flexible options for travel agencies worldwide.