Meeting business travelers’ needs through modern retailing
In today’s corporate travel landscape, business travelers 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 the Navan Group, potential savings from NDC per airline range from 3.3% to 16.6%.
“At American Airlines, we understand that business travelers prioritize efficiency, flexibility, and value. 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,” said Anthony Rader, Director of Distribution & Offer/Order Strategy at American Airlines. “This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of corporate travelers in a changing marketplace.”
As an early innovator in NDC, American Airlines (AA) committed to offering the best fare transparency and options available for corporate travelers. Reed & Mackay, a forward-thinking travel management company (TMC), partnered with American Airlines to deliver on these promises, creating a seamless NDC experience that has already gained traction with clients.
“Our clients have made it clear they want more options, and with American Airlines’ NDC, we’re delivering just that,” says Amanda McCarthy, Vice President, Travel Operations, “we’re already getting positive feedback from our clients.”
Reed & Mackay’s role in NDC adoption
Reed & Mackay has been instrumental in promoting the adoption of NDC content, with an internal team of “NDC champions” who advocate for the technology within the U.S. 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 that NDC offers clients a powerful blend of choice and efficiency. “We’ve seen firsthand 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 that were previously unavailable through traditional channels, including the ability to select seat at the booking stage. What’s more, Reed & Mackay’s proprietary technology, R&M/Book, seamlessly integrates this content, giving 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,” shares Amanda McCarthy, a key figure in Reed & Mackay’s NDC initiatives for the United States.
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, including 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,” says McCarthy.
Building trust and reliability through partnership
Reed & Mackay’s longstanding relationship with American Airlines fosters trust and ensures that clients receive the best support possible. In the fast-evolving world of NDC, this close collaboration means that any challenges are quickly addressed, providing a reliable, smooth experience for all travelers.
McCarthy shares, “Our collaboration with American Airlines isn’t just about technology—it’s about mutual trust. This partnership enables us to escalate issues directly, providing faster resolutions that our clients value greatly.” American Airlines leaders echo this sentiment, emphasizing that their strong alignment with Reed & Mackay is essential in delivering seamless experiences.
“Our strong partnership with Reed & Mackay reflects a shared commitment to putting travelers first,” says Anthony Rader at American Airlines. “In the rapidly changing landscape of NDC, this collaboration ensures we can quickly address challenges and deliver the reliable, seamless experiences that corporate travelers depend on.”
Innovation at scale for clients
Both American Airlines and Reed & Mackay view NDC as a stepping-stone toward a future of personalized, dynamic travel options. Through NDC, Reed & Mackay clients can currently book seats, but more ancillary products are coming soon, which will allow for a fully customized travel experience.
Looking forward, the partnership with Reed & Mackay aims to deliver sustainability-focused features and further advancements in NDC technology, keeping 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,” states Rader.
A vision for the future of corporate travel
The partnership between Reed & Mackay and American Airlines exemplifies how a shared vision for innovation and quality can enhance corporate travel programs. Together, they are 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.
For more information on how Reed & Mackay and American Airlines can transform your travel program, contact our team at hellous@reedmackay.com.
