November 27th, 2024 – Qantas Launches New Distribution Model from July 2025

Following significant technological advancements over the last five years, Qantas has today announced a new distribution model for travel agents to access Qantas Fares, set to roll out from July 1st 2025.

Designed in response to a global shift towards the adoption of IATA’s New Distribution Capability (NDC), Qantas’ NDC will enable a better booking and servicing experience for travellers and travel agents around the world, providing access to features that were either difficult or impossible to access through traditional systems previously.

What is NDC?

NDC – standing for New Distribution Capability – is a travel industry standard introduced by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to modernise the way airline content (such as flights) are distributed. Designed in response to the evolving technology landscape, NDC enables travel agents – including Pulse Travel – and other third parties to access rich, personalised fare and ancillary information directly from airlines through an XML-based platform.

Qantas NDC Platform

Beginning from 1 July 2025, travel agents will be able to access Qantas content through the new NDC platform, offering surcharge free options and varying ticket surchages depending on the booking channel.

Designed in close communication with partners including Amadeus, Sabre, Travelport and more, this new platform is designed to set travel agents – and their clients – up for success.

Qantas Group International CEO Cam Wallace explained that ““NDC has huge benefits for both customers and agents compared to traditional indirect booking systems.”

“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.”

Benefits for Pulse Travel clients:

Pulse Travel has had extensive experience with NDC platforms, and looks forward to delivering several benefits to our clients through the launch of Qantas’ NDC platform:

• Over time, better pricing and more fare options than traditional booking systems, which will have limited access to sale fares and content
• The ability to lock in the price of a booking for up to five days before ticketing (fare rules permitting)
• The ability for better servicing and disruption handling available
• Customers can be recognised as a Qantas Frequent Flyer during the booking process and receive periodic special offers based on status
• Customers will be able to see any Qantas Points and Status Credits earned for an itinerary (where the fare permits)
• The ability to be recognised as a Qantas Business Rewards member, with discounted fares and tailored offers to be made available

Pulse Travel’s Experience with NDC

Pulse Travel has been working extensively over the last twelve months to gain expertise in the NDC environment, conducting rigorous staff training to ensure all parties are across how to book and utilise NDC effectively for our clients.

Our team are proud to be able to access NDC content for multiple carriers around the world, providing above-market service and the best rates to our suppliers through this program.

The Pulse Travel team is fully informed on how to utilise Qantas’ NDC environment, and we look forward to learning more about Qantas’ NDC as information becomes available, leveraging this opportunity to deliver the best prices and flight availability possible for our clients.

For more information regarding Qantas’ NDC announcement, get in touch with our team via 1300 131 885.