Lufthansa Extends Low Far Distribution Program to UK
Lufthansa Group has extended the benefits of membership in its NDC Partner Program to the UK.
Beginning Dec. 1, the cheapest European point-to-point fares offered by Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa and Swiss will be available only via NDC and direct sales channels. The decision comes three years after Lufthansa announced plans to levy a 16-euro distribution cost charge on bookings made via GDS.
The new move is designed to drive adoption of NDC technology. Andreas Koester, senior director sales, UK, Ireland & Iceland, Lufthansa Group, said the goal is to pave the way to a more powerful, innovative and cost-efficient distribution landscape. He said this is of the utmost importance because travelers expect to receive airline content in the same easy, digital and transparent way that they are already used to in other parts of their lives.
Economy Light fares will no longer be available in GDS from the start of December, but can instead be accessed via Lufthansa Group airlines Direct NDC API, SPRK, austrian.com, lufthansa.com, swiss.com and lhgroup-agent.com.
by Dan Booth
