The percentage of New Distribution Capability tickets settled by Airlines Reporting Corp. in each January, February and March 2025 increased month over month as well as year over year.
"This growth indicates the agency community is becoming more comfortable and confident in the modern retailing journey enabled by NDC," ARC senior manager of Direct Connect and One Order Paige Blunt told BTN.
Blunt added that "airlines are making servicing improvements to NDC transactions, which gives travel sellers more confidence and helps them realize the benefits of NDC-enabled content."
In December 2024, ARC released about 20 NDC best practices that covered nine categories based on discussions from ARC's NDC Advancement Working Group, which was formed in late 2023 and met throughout 2024. The best practices are not standards, Blunt said at the time, and would serve as a "living document."
The working group is composed of travel management companies, online travel agencies, consolidators, technology providers and airlines. Blunt added that the group has continued to meet in 2025 "to discuss the use of branded fares, airline loyalty benefits, and providing the right offers that meet travel policy in NDC offers, among other topics, which will support future growth."
ARC implements NDC for airlines through ARC Direct Connect, of which 37 carriers currently are integrated. There were 28 airlines integrated at the end of 2023.
"As more airlines add NDC content to their distribution channels, it opens the door for more NDC-enabled transactions," Blunt said. "Large airlines like Delta have announced distribution strategies that include NDC and the potential for future retailing enhancements."