What is New Distribution Capability (NDC)?
NDC is the airline industry's standard for sending fares and extras to the people who sell tickets. This cheat sheet covers how to think about it. How it compares with the GDS is further down.
How to think about it
- It's a standard, not a product. IATA launched the program to develop and spread an XML-based data standard. Any third party, IT provider or non-IATA member can implement it.
- It carries the full product. Travel sellers get access to an airline's whole product portfolio, including extras and promotional fares.
- It's built on offers and orders. The standard covers shopping, creating an order, servicing and canceling it, and payments and refunds.
- Each airline sets its own pace. IATA leaves it to each airline to decide whether and when to adopt NDC.
NDC vs. GDS
| NDC | GDS | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | An XML-based data standard from IATA | A computerized network that connects travel providers with travel agents |
| Message format | XML, through an API | EDIFACT |
| What it carries | The airline's full product portfolio, including extras and promotional fares | Real-time inventory and rates from travel providers |
How it works on Engine
Engine's flight content comes through both GDS and NDC connections. When you book a flight, you search round-trip, one-way or multi-city, compare flights and fares, and see the carry-on and checked baggage included with the fare before you pay.
Questions
What does NDC stand for?
New Distribution Capability. It's a program IATA launched to develop an XML-based data standard for airline distribution, backed by an IATA resolution from October 2012.
Is NDC replacing the GDS?
Not on a set date. IATA leaves adoption timelines to each airline, and ARC, which settles US agency air sales, says it will support both GDS EDIFACT and NDC transactions going forward.
Who can use NDC?
It's open to any third party, intermediary, IT provider or non-IATA member to implement and use, on a voluntary basis.
What does NDC mean for corporate travel?
IATA says NDC makes all airline product and service information available to corporate buyers, which reduces the need for out-of-policy bookings.
Sources
- IATA, Distribution with Offers & Orders (New Distribution Capability - NDC), accessed November 2, 2026.
- IATA, Distribution with Offers and Orders (NDC) Fact Sheet, accessed November 2, 2026.
- Airlines Reporting Corporation, ARC Launches Orders-Based Reporting and Settlement System to Advance Airline Retailing, accessed November 2, 2026.
- Engine, Hotel abbreviations list: Guide to hospitality terms, accessed November 2, 2026.
- Engine, Engine vs. Traditional TMCs, accessed November 2, 2026.
- Engine, Business Flight Booking With Engine, accessed November 2, 2026.