FLIGHT BOOKINGS ON SINGAPORE AIRLINES MADE MORE CONVENIENT WITH SKYSCANNER

Singapore Airlines (SIA) has announced its first New Distribution Capability (NDC) connection, with travel search and booking site Skyscanner. Through this connection, customers can book SIA flights more conveniently through the Skyscanner site.

NDC is an industry-supported standard introduced by the International Air Transport Association ( IATA) which addresses some of the industry’s current inventory distribution limitations. It creates a more agile and efficient distribution system by supplementing the capabilities of third-party channels to match those of the airline’s websites, thus improving offerings for customers making bookings on such sites.

SIA’s NDC agreement with Skyscanner introduces a more direct way for customers to book flights. Customers who choose to purchase SIA flights through Skyscanner will now be able to do so directly, instead of having to be referred to the Singapore Airlines website to complete a booking.

Other capabilities such as the ability to select seats and the availability of personalized offers will be implemented progressively.

According to Campbell Wilson, SIA senior vice president for sales and marketing, “With an NDC Level 3 Certification, we will also be seeking out even more connections with travel partners to improve distribution through SIA’s third-party sales channels.”

Skyscanner’s senior director for strategic partnerships Hugh Aitken said the partnership with Singapore Airlines offers travelers the opportunity to search and book their fares seamlessly through the Skyscanner app and website.

“We believe our powerful direct booking capability is good for customers who can complete their booking with as little friction as possible, and good for airlines,” Aitken said.

Yanik Hoyles, IATA director, NDC Program, said: “With this achievement, Singapore Airlines is taking a major step toward transforming airline distribution, bringing more booking options to air travelers in preparation for the new era of airline retailing that NDC enables.”