Big Changes for Airline Passengers with Social Media Plans from IATA

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) have announced plans for a ‘New Distribution Capability’ (NDC) which involves the sharing of social media profiles for a better shopping experience for passengers.  NDC will offer personalized booking through a user-friendly platform that is content and image-rich, enabling passengers to book ‘extras’, such as Wi-Fi, comfortable seats or even a chauffeur service to and from the airport, based upon their preferences according to social media profiling.

Passengers, of course, will also have the opportunity to shop anonymously and IATA promise all the usual privacy assurances, but there are still some who are skeptical about sharing such information – especially as some companies who act as middlemen for bookings, such as Amadeus or Travelport may find their roles significantly diminished.

Social Media profiling is huge stuff in today’s marketplace, offering comsumers flexibility, if you don’t mind sharing your information and preferences and offering business massive marketing opportunities.

IATA are excited about the new proposed NDC and have been singing its praises at the group’s 69th AGM in Cape Town this week.  There is a lot of support for NDC and more than a little controversy, but much agreement universally that the face of buying airline travel and the way airlines, travel agencies and associated services work and interact would change enormously.

IATA have released a video to explain more about NDC… See it here...