TKConnect will feature promotional fares exclusive to the NDC platform, enriched content with visuals and descriptions, differentiated ticket pricing, and enhanced ancillary services. The platform aims to offer a superior booking experience for travel agents and their clients.
Turkish Airlines will provide three connection options to the TKConnect platform: a direct connection via NDC APIs, an aggregator connection through certified technology partners, and a web-based booking portal. The specific technology partners have not been disclosed yet.
The carrier has not yet specified the exact surcharge amount for GDS bookings starting October 1, and details were not immediately available from a spokesperson. Agents will still have access to legacy content via GDS, but the new, enhanced content will be exclusively available through TKConnect. Turkish Airlines assured that there will be no fees for services accessed through TKConnect, as stated in their FAQs on the agent page for the platform.
This strategic move by Turkish Airlines reflects the growing trend in the aviation industry towards adopting NDC standards to enhance distribution capabilities and reduce dependency on traditional GDS channels. By offering a more direct and technologically advanced booking platform, Turkish Airlines aims to provide travel agents with better tools and resources, ultimately improving the customer booking experience.
Turkish Airlines’ transition to TKConnect marks a significant step in its digital transformation strategy. The new platform is expected to streamline operations, offer more competitive fares, and provide a richer, more personalized service to travelers.
Tags: Ahmet Olmustur, Turkish Airlines, GDS bookings, TKConnect
