Finnair will begin implementing continuous pricing this spring as well as restricting the availability of domestic fares to direct and NDC-based channels. The carrier says the plans are part of its “next step towards modern distribution”.
Airlines around the world are looking to move more content away from traditional GDS channels, which use the legacy EDIFACT technology standards, through the increased use of new NDC-enabled platforms and connections.
Finnair said it now would “gradually implement” continuous pricing through its website, mobile app and NDC channels for bookings made via agencies and TMCs. The airline said the new fares strategy will not be “tied to the 26 legacy price points” offered through traditional GDS channels.
The airline is also removing its Finnish domestic flights from the EDIFACT-based platforms from 1 May 2023. Domestic flights will only be available from this date on Finnair’s direct channels or via its NDC-enabled portals, such as the Finnair Agency Sales Tool (FAST), certified Finnair NDC aggregators and NDC Direct Connect APIs.
Finnair stressed that this move would not affect the booking of international flights.
Jenni Suomela, vice president, global sales and channel management at Finnair, said: “We are committed to transforming how flight products are sold and serviced, for the benefit of our customers and the whole industry.
“We encourage our B2B partners to join on this journey, to make the benefits available for all of our customers and are ready to support and help our partners in this transformation.”
Last year, Finnair introduced a surcharge for bookings made through GDSs for flights starting in Europe, as well as from several markets in Asia and the Middle East. The airline also removed its Finnair Light fares from EDIFACT-based systems.
Finnair’s moves come after its Oneworld alliance partner American Airlines told TMCs that they needed to be “NDC ready” by April to ensure access to its full range of content from third parties.
Sabre said in a statement: "As part of our agreement with Finnair (AY), we have secured that the airline will distribute its NDC content through Sabre’s global distribution system (GDS), providing travel buyers and intermediaries with at least the same content available on all the other GDSs and Finnair’s direct connect channels.
"The NDC integration is in addition to continuing the seamless provision of AY EDIFACT-sourced content to our global network of travel agencies and corporate customers. AY’s EDIFACT content will be available in Sabre at parity with Amadeus and Travelport.
"We are closely collaborating with Finnair to prepare for the broad launch of AY’s NDC offers in Sabre Red 360, GetThere and APIs in the first quarter of 2023."
BTN Europe has also approached Amadeus and Travelport for comment.