In today’s corporate travel landscape, business travellers demand not only premium experiences, but competitive pricing, flexibility and robust safety measures. New Distribution Capability (NDC) technology has emerged as a powerful tool to meet these needs by providing a greater choice of richer content and pricing options directly from airlines, bypassing the limitations of traditional distribution channels. According to data from Reed & Mackay parent company the Navan Group, potential savings from NDC per airline range from 3.3% to 16.6%.
“At American Airlines, we understand that business travellers prioritise efficiency, flexibility and value,” American Airlines Director of Distribution & Offer/Order Strategy Anthony Rader says. “Through our investment in NDC technology, we’re not only enhancing transparency but also empowering our partners, like Reed & Mackay, to deliver a seamless booking experience with access to our most competitive fares and premium services. This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of corporate travellers in a changing marketplace.”
As an early innovator in NDC, American Airlines committed to offering the best fare transparency and options available for corporate travellers. Reed & Mackay partnered with American Airlines to deliver on this commitment, creating a seamless NDC experience.
“Our clients have made it clear they want more options. And, with American Airlines’ NDC, we’re delivering just that and already getting positive feedback from our clients,” Reed & Mackay Vice President, Travel Operations, Amanda McCarthy says.
Progressing NDC adoption
Reed & Mackay has been instrumental in promoting the adoption of NDC content. The company has an internal team of “NDC champions” who advocate for the technology within the US operations. This team’s dedication to NDC education and support has played a vital role in client adoption.
Tom Rigby, the executive sponsor of NDC for Reed & Mackay globally, believes NDC offers clients a powerful blend of choice and efficiency. “We’ve seen first-hand how our partnership with American Airlines can provide the right technological support to elevate corporate travel experiences,” he says.
Access to comprehensive content
Through American Airlines’ NDC content, Reed & Mackay clients gain access to an expanded range of fare options previously unavailable through traditional channels. This includes the ability to select seats at the booking stage. Furthermore, Reed & Mackay’s proprietary technology, R&M/Book, seamlessly integrates this content. This gives clients the same comprehensive booking experience whether they choose to book online or with a travel consultant.
“Reed & Mackay’s NDC integration means clients have more control over their travel choices. And it’s reflected in our commitment to delivering the best fare options,” McCarthy adds.
Continuous pricing: a priority for corporate clients
One of the primary benefits of the American Airlines NDC partnership is the introduction of continuous pricing. NDC offers Reed & Mackay clients a full range of American Airlines’ fares. These include rates tailored to reflect real-time market demand and client-specific corporate-negotiated prices. Clients can view all fare options transparently, ensuring they have access to the most accurate and up-to-date pricing.
This transparency helps clients align their travel policies more closely with their strategic goals. Reed & Mackay’s commitment to providing cutting-edge pricing solutions has already encouraged a significant number of clients to activate the NDC channel, with that number expected to continue to grow.
“Providing our clients with visibility across all fare types is essential. It’s about empowering clients to make cost-effective decisions while feeling confident in their travel policy,” McCarthy says.
Building trust and reliability through partnership
Reed & Mackay’s long-standing relationship with American Airlines fosters trust and ensures clients receive the best support possible. In the fast-evolving world of NDC, this close collaboration means any challenges are quickly addressed. This results in a reliable, smooth experience for all travellers.
“Our collaboration with American Airlines isn’t just about technology, it’s about mutual trust,” McCarthy adds. “This partnership enables us to escalate issues directly, providing faster resolutions that our clients value greatly.”
American Airlines leaders echo this sentiment, emphasising that their strong alignment with Reed & Mackay is essential in delivering seamless experiences.
“Our strong partnership reflects a shared commitment to putting travellers first,” Rader says. “In the rapidly changing landscape of NDC, this collaboration ensures we can quickly address challenges and deliver the reliable, seamless experiences corporate travellers depend on.”
Innovation at scale
Both American Airlines and Reed & Mackay view NDC as a stepping stone towards a future of personalised, dynamic travel options. Through NDC, Reed & Mackay clients can currently book seats. And more ancillary products are coming soon, which will allow for a fully customised travel experience.
Looking forward, the partnership with Reed & Mackay aims to deliver sustainability focused features and further advancements in NDC technology. This will keep pace with evolving industry trends and client expectations. “Innovation is a continuous journey and our roadmap includes exciting new developments that will shape the future of corporate travel,” Rader adds.
A future vision of corporate travel
The partnership between Reed & Mackay and American Airlines exemplifies how a shared vision for innovation and quality can enhance corporate travel programmes. Together, they’re reshaping travel with NDC, providing substantial value in cost savings, flexibility and enriched travel experiences. As the industry continues to evolve, both companies are committed to driving the next phase of NDC adoption, delivering exceptional value for corporate clients worldwide.
Get in touch
Mail hello@reedmackay.com to discuss all of your corporate travel and event management needs.
