Virgin Atlantic has launched its New Distribution Capability (NDC) offering in the UK, promising agents a ‘richer, more flexible, and more connected retailing experience’.
The airline is rolling out the NDC in phases, with servicing capabilities available from launch.
Direct connections with the carrier as well as via the aggregator, Travelfusion, are available initially.
Global Distribution System (GDS) aggregation is set to follow, with Virgin Atlantic planning to expand its aggregator partnerships throughout 2027.
The airline will continue to provide access to content through existing GDS EDIFACT channels for partners not yet ready to switch to NDC.
Virgin Atlantic said it plans to add more content, ancillary products, fare options and retailing capabilities over time.
Virgin Atlantic Vice President Sales Anthony Uphill said: “This is an exciting step forward in our retailing journey, making it simpler for our partners to access the products and services that matter most, while creating more choice and a better experience for customers.
“We’ve taken a collaborative and intentionally phased approach, listening to our partners and making sure the right support and servicing capabilities are in place from the outset.
“As we move forward, NDC will increasingly be where our best content and retailing capabilities are available. For partners who are new to NDC, we’re looking forward to starting those conversations, and we’re here to support them through the transition.”
Travelfusion Vice President Commercial Eytan Bicaci Baruh added: “We are delighted to support Virgin Atlantic’s NDC launch and bring its enhanced content and retailing capabilities to our network of travel sellers.
“Virgin Atlantic is an important addition to our airline portfolio as we continue our efforts to lead the market with our NDC content.
“This partnership reflects our commitment to helping airlines adopt modern distribution while giving travel businesses access to richer content through a single, reliable connection.
“We look forward to supporting Virgin Atlantic as it expands its NDC offering across the UK travel trade.”
