For decades, airline content has flowed through a technology standard called EDIFACT. But as the industry evolves, this legacy system is holding travel agencies back. Let’s break it down.
Developed in the 1980s, EDIFACT (Electronic Data Interchange for Administration, Commerce and Transport) is a legacy messaging system that allowed airlines and travel agents to communicate through Global Distribution Systems (GDS).
It enabled global air travel distribution for years but comes with limitations:
The modern traveler of today demands a retail experience similar to what they see on Amazon or Netflix, Fast, customized and dynamic. Unfortunately, what is EDIFACT at its core is a static and rigid system that can’t adapt to these new demands.
That’s why airlines and travel technology providers are turning to NDC (New Distribution Capability), a modern solution that supports smarter, more efficient retailing.
NDC upgrades airline distribution by replacing EDIFACT with a flexible XML-based standard that allows airlines to:
The transition away from EDIFACT is happening and agencies need to keep up.
Here’s what you can do:
EDIFACT served the industry well, but the future is clear, NDC is the new standard with continuous pricing at its core.
Need help transitioning?