The business travel sector is undergoing radical change, driven by the emergence of innovative technologies that are profoundly changing the way companies manage their business travel. Among these innovations, NDC, or New Distribution Capability, stands out for its the scale of the change it brings about. By simplifying and enriching access to in-flight content, NDC promises not only significant savings for businesses, but also an enhanced travel experience for travellers.
If, like all emerging technologyWhile NDC has its advocates and its detractors, it is difficult for Travel Managers to ignore this trend and the upheaval that is already taking place in the sector. However, too few companies with large travel programmes have managed to take the plunge, and their TMCs are still too cautious about adopting it on a large scale: is the technology up to scratch? Navan, one of the first TMCs to incorporate NDC tariffs to its platform, is determined to put the rumours to rest and recently published a report analysing the potential savings from NDC per airline. And the figures speak for themselves.
What is NDC?
NDC is an initiative of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) aimed at modernising the distribution process for air services. In practical terms, it is a new data transmission standard which gives airlines greater flexibility in the distribution of their inventory, particularly in terms of pricing and the creation of offers, and enables them to distribute their airline tickets directly to online travel agencies, TMCs and corporate customers, potentially bypassing the GDSs. This type of connection gives companies access to a richer, more personalised offer, including additional services, promotional offers and differentiated fares, often unavailable via traditional channels.
The economic benefits of NDC
The financial impact of NDC is one of the main advantages of this technology today. By taking advantage of direct connections with airlines, companies can access more competitive fares and benefit from more travel options. The data collected by Navan show that companies can achieve potential savings of between 3.3 % and 16.6 % per airline thanks to NDC. For those looking to optimise their business travel budget, which is often one of the largest items of expenditure, this represents a considerable lever. On Navan, one in four flights is now booked via NDC. In Europe, it's even one flight in three. To do without is to miss out on substantial savings that are within your reach, provided you have the right partner at your side.
In addition to these direct savings, NDC also enables companies to avoid certain taxes and surcharges imposed by the GDSs. These charges, which can quickly add up, are eliminated or significantly reduced through the use of NDC, rapidly lowering flight budgets.
Navan: a TMC pioneering the adoption of NDC
In this context, Navan is positioned as a leading player, not only because of its very early adoption of NDC, but also because TMC is fully exploiting its potential to benefit its customers. Navan has integrated NDC into its inventory to offer complete visibility on fares, options and services offered by airlines, all in real time. This transparency allows companies to better control their spending and make informed travel decisions. Today, Navan offers NDC content from 15 airlines on its platform, including American Airlines, Lufthansa Group, Air France, KLM, British Airways, Finnair, Singapore Airlines and United Airlines, to name but a few.
It's no coincidence that Navan is now considered the leading business travel management solution. the most advanced when it comes to large-scale adoption of NDC. Its proactive approach, combined with cutting-edge technology, enables it to maximise the benefits for its customers while guaranteeing a smooth, personalised user experience.5
A superior experience for business travellers
In addition to its financial benefits, NDC also contributes to improving the experience of business travellers. By providing access to a wider range of travel options, it enables them to book trips that match their preferences. They can choose options that correspond precisely to their needs and take advantage of promotions that are often exclusive to NDC or direct connections.
This direct access to all airline content is particularly important at a time when employee satisfaction has become a key issue. a strategic challenge for companies. Without the NDC, there are major discrepancies between the offer available on the airline website and that proposed on the OBT website, which generates frustration and increases leakage.
By offering a more enjoyable and tailored travel experience, companies can boost employee confidence and satisfaction while optimising costs. This is reflected in the rate of adoption of the platform and Navan's NPS scorewhich measures customer satisfaction and loyalty. In 2024, this jumped from 13 % to 43, an increase that coincides with the gradual availability of NDC content from 15 major airlines on the platform.
A promising future for NDC
The transformation brought about by NDC has only just begun. As this technology becomes more widespread, TMCs like Navan will continue to play a crucial role in helping companies to navigate this new ecosystem. The ability of these TMCs to innovate and adapt quickly to technological change will be decisive in ensuring the success of their customers' business travel programmes.
By adopting NDC, companies not only make considerable savings, they also gain agility, transparency and control. For companies looking to optimise their travel operations while offering their employees a better experience, NDC is an essential solution.
Navan, as a pioneer in the adoption of NDC, continues to lead the way. Its customers benefit from significant competitive advantages thanks to increased savingsA better travel experience and simplified booking management. For more information on how NDC can save you money, download theindex of savings achieved through Navan NDC.
NDC is more than just a technological evolution: it is a revolution that is redefining the rules of the game in the corporate travel industry, and Navan is at the forefront of this transformation. Find out more about Navan's NDC offering and how it can benefit your business, Come and meet Navan's teams on stand J006 of the Club Affaires de Paris. IFTM. Olivier Nairey, General Director of Navan France and Spain, will be taking part in a round-table discussion on Thursday 19 on the subject of the financial weight of innovation and new technologies for businesses.
