Indian New Distribution Capability aggregator Verteil Technologies has expanded into Japan and has partnered with Tokyo-based F-ness to begin issuing tickets through the platform.
Kochi-based Verteil, founded in 2016 and certified as Level 3 for the International Air Transport Association's NDC standards the same year, has been building its business across agencies in India since then, co-founder Ranjit Kurian said. That has required an education process for agencies there. "Things are slowly turning around in India," he said. "People are understanding the value that airlines are trying to provide in the NDC channel."
In late 2017, Verteil announced the first booking on the platform from an India point of sale, a direct connect from British Airways. Agents in India also are issuing tickets for Lufthansa Group airlines, as American Airlines and Emirates. To grow in Japan, Verteil established a Tokyo-based subsidiary, led by Japanese civil aviation veteran Tetsuya Joko, and aims to bring several agencies aboard this year. Agents in Japan are issuing tickets for Lufthansa Group and American Airlines.
Verteil expects to add at least 15 more major airlines in India and Japan over the next three months, Kurian said.
To date, most of Verteil's agency partners are leisure focused, though Kurian said travel management companies also are target customers.