Qantas has announced a transformative new model for travel agents to access its fares, set to roll out mid-next year.
The initiative aligns with a global shift toward IATA’s New Distribution Capability (NDC) technology, promising significant benefits for both agents and their customers.
From 1 July 2025, travel agents will have multiple options to access Qantas content, including surcharge-free pathways as well as varying ticket surcharges, including:
- Traditional indirect booking systems (also known as EDIFACT)
- Standard NDC
- Premium NDC (by invitation)
The changes aim to streamline booking processes, offer greater flexibility to meet the evolving needs of the industry while strengthening its commitment to supporting agents while delivering a seamless experience for travellers.
Qantas has worked closely with its partners on its distribution transformation to ensure the new model is designed to set agents up for success into the future. This includes all its GDS partners; Amadeus, Sabre and Travelport and 10 other Certified Technology Partners.
“NDC has huge benefits for both customers and agents compared to traditional indirect booking systems,” Qantas Group International CEO Cam Wallace said.
“For customers, it means an opportunity for better pricing, more fare options and a personalised experience with more visibility for Qantas Frequent Flyers on the number of Qantas Points and Status Credits earned on flights. And for agents, they’ll have access to more fares and opportunities to earn through dynamic commission offers and provides them with the tools to create tailored trips that go far beyond a basic fare and itinerary.”
“Agents today are using booking systems that were built before the internet even existed. Customers have told us they want a more personalised, flexible and seamless booking experience, whether they book directly with us or indirectly through a travel agent or a corporate travel manage,” Wallace concluded.
“NDC is the future for our industry, and FCTG is at the forefront of this change working with Qantas and airline partners to drive its adoption,” Flight Centre Travel Group CEO Graham ‘Skroo’ Turner said.
“This technology will bring additional benefits to our customers including enhanced capability, access to richer content and greater personalisation.
“We are empowering our agents to be equipped to provide our customers with access to the widest range of products, fares and airline services via NDC.
“We look forward to working closely with Qantas to help deliver these benefits and as part of our objective of securing access to the widest range of product for our people and customers,” Turner said.
