Turkish Airlines has recently announced the enhancement of its NDC (New Distribution Capability) compliant TKCONNECT programme through a strategic partnership with leading content aggregators Travelfusion, Verteil, DRCT, Mystifly, Nuua, Nuflights and Theta. It will also begin charging a distribution fee for bookings made via global distribution systems.
This collaboration marks a significant milestone in enhancing travel experience of passengers by enabling its partners to have seamless access to Turkish Airlines’ extensive global network and services, the airline said.
Through these partnerships, Turkish Airlines and the aggregators are committed to driving innovation and excellence in the travel industry. TKCONNECT will empower travel agents with state-of-the-art tools to create customized itineraries, offer exclusive deals, and streamline the booking process, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty. The platform will include promotional fares available only through NDC, “rich content” with visuals and descriptions, differentiated ticket pricing and “enhanced” ancillary services.
Commenting on the expansion of the NDC programme Ahmet Olmuştur, Turkish Airlines Chief Commercial Officer stated: “We are excited to partner with Travelfusion, Verteil, DRCT, Mystifly, Nuua, Nuflights and Theta in the expansion of TKCONNECT. 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. This initiative reflects our shared vision of providing superior travel solutions and exceptional service to our customers. By embracing NDC technology, we are paving the way for a more connected and efficient travel ecosystem.”
The carrier did not specify what the surcharge will be levied for its GDS bookings from October 1, but agents will be able to access legacy content via GDSs only with that fee, while the new content will be available only through TKConnect. There will be no fees associated for services via TKConnect.
