The Role of NDC in Airline Growth: What Actually Works in 2025
Introduction
By 2025, NDC is no longer a concept for the future. It has become a baseline capability for modern airline distribution. But while many carriers have implemented NDC APIs, only a few are seeing meaningful commercial results.
What separates success from struggle is not just the technology. It’s the ability to activate NDC in a way that delivers real value to both the airline and its partners.
In this article, we explore what works with NDC today and how easyGDS helps airlines bridge the gap between access and action.
NDC in Practice: Where It Delivers Value
IATA introduced NDC to give airlines more control over how they distribute content, define offers, and engage with sellers. It promised freedom from legacy formats and a shift toward personalized, retail-style selling.
Where airlines are seeing results:
- Richer content for agents (seat maps, fare brands, ancillaries)
- Real-time fare and availability updates
- Direct commercial terms with sellers
- Easier upsell of bags, meals, and seat upgrades
- Faster integration for new resellers
But these results only come when the airline’s NDC content is activated, meaning it is visible, usable, and bookable for real-world sellers.
What Airlines Still Struggle With
Even in 2025, some common challenges remain:
- Inconsistent implementation across partners
- Low visibility of NDC content in agency tools
- Lack of data on performance or sales flow
- Complex onboarding for smaller resellers
- Limited flexibility in controlling offers or margins
Having an API is not enough. Activation and commercial alignment are where most airlines hit a wall.
How easyGDS Helps Airlines Get NDC Right
easyGDS offers airlines more than just access. It provides a ready-to-use platform that turns NDC content into real bookings through a global network of travel resellers.
1. Agency-Ready Platform
Airlines using easyGDS can connect with a wide base of travel agencies that are already equipped to book NDC content — without extra development or training.
2. Hybrid Distribution Support
For carriers still operating with both GDS and NDC channels, easyGDS supports blended content flows in a single environment.
3. Custom Offer Packaging
Airlines can group flights with ancillaries like baggage or seat selection. These packages are easily configurable and align with how agencies actually sell.
4. Transparent Markup Settings
easyGDS enables configurable markup structures between the airline and resellers. While airlines do not control pricing directly, they can guide commercial settings through partnership rules.
5. Performance Visibility
Booking volume and refund data can be tracked through partner-level reports. Airlines gain visibility into what’s working, without requiring separate systems or dashboards.
The Shift From Enablement to Activation
Many airlines today are “NDC-enabled” on paper. Far fewer are NDC-active — meaning their content is actually distributed, optimized, and driving results.
easyGDS helps airlines close that gap. The platform focuses on usability and scalability so that distribution strategy translates into commercial outcomes.
FAQ: NDC Airline Benefits in 2025
1. Does easyGDS support NDC and GDS at the same time?
Yes. Airlines can offer both in one platform while managing distribution strategy.
2. Can I package ancillaries with my fares?
Yes. You can combine core fares with seats, bags, meals, or branded options for more compelling offers.
3. Do I need to train agencies on my NDC flow?
No. Agencies using easyGDS already work in a unified interface that supports NDC out of the box.
4. Is pricing flexible for partners?
Yes. easyGDS allows margin adjustments and supports business rules set through airline-reseller agreements.
5. Can I measure the success of my NDC strategy?
Yes. Partner-level activity reports help airlines understand booking trends and adjust accordingly.
Conclusion
In 2025, NDC is no longer a differentiator — it’s a foundation. But what sets leading airlines apart is how they activate that foundation to grow.
With easyGDS, NDC is not just another API. It becomes a scalable, agency-ready channel that supports both retail strategy and operational results.
Let’s turn your NDC investment into a real distribution advantage.
Book a demo today to see the features.
Check our website, easyGDS for Airlines.