Concerns on the QDP
THE Qantas Distribution Platform (QDP) officially started yesterday. Almost all agents and TMCs have signed up to the new terms, which include a $17.50 per sector surcharge for bookings made via existing GDS channels.
As Qantas inventory shifts from traditional GDS distribution to the NDC-based channel, agents will presumably lose GDS sector fees. This is one of several concerns I have heard from smaller and midsized TMCs and agents. However, few misgivings have been heard from larger players, which suggests that more advanced preparations more palatable and arrangements have occurred in the background Will there be a divergence of commercial arrangements with Qantas among agents and TMCs favouring Indeed, the the smaller big end agents of town? complained about the lack of information leading up to the 30 Jun signing up deadline, and the consider lack of and time negotiate. given to discuss, Short-term, there about is uncertainty which fare types to NDC will when, switch and what new options and services will appear on corporate booking screens and when. What fees and charges will be unbundled from airfares and when? And for travel buyers there are many things to consider longer term. As services are unbundled and added, how will corporates manage their travel policy compliance, and monitor and control what airline services and offers they buy? Who will reintegrate the data? Qantas contracts will have to be revamped to cover unbundled airline pricing. There are also general about retailing concerns and cross-selling on corporate booking sites. Given the lack of information, it is fair to be concerned because one of the understood main purposes of NDC is to enable exactly these things. My daughter recently got on a train and accidentally ended up in Brussels instead of Paris. I know how she felt. Things are certainly moving but I have an uneasy feeling about where we’re going. Have Your Say is Travel Daily’s new feature, where members of the industry can weigh in on the big issues.
Things are moving but I have an uneasy feeling about where we’re going