Delta Air Lines has signed a new distribution deal with Sabre as the two companies plan to “work together” on the launch of the carrier’s upcoming NDC content.

The US-based airline, which earlier this year laid out its plans to introduce NDC fares in 2025, is busy agreeing new distribution deals with the major GDS owners Sabre, Amadeus and Travelport ahead of its launch of NDC-based content.

The new “multi-year” agreement with Sabre will cover both Delta’s traditional EDIFACT fares and forthcoming NDC content, with the tech firm to “collaborate on the integration of NDC content” into its booking channels.

Roshan Mendis, chief commercial officer at Sabre Travel Solutions, said: “This agreement underscores our commitment to building a comprehensive travel marketplace that equips travel agents with the tools and content they need to excel in today’s dynamic travel environment, including the ability to leverage the potential of NDC.”

Jeff Lobl, Delta’s managing director of distribution strategy and agency sales programmes, added: “We look forward to collaborating with Sabre to make Delta’s NDC technology solution available to all Sabre-connected travel agents to ensure that our customers receive the best possible travel experience tailored to their needs.” 

During a virtual corporate client event earlier this week, Delta confirmed it was in the process of renewing multi-year agreements with its three major global distribution partners – Sabre, Amadeus and Travelport. 

Delta’s SVP of global sales Bob Somers said: “They include a full content commitment across all channels, and that sets the stage for [New Distribution Capability] and further display enhancements on GDS-owned platforms.

“Our full-content agreements ensure business travellers have access to comprehensive Delta and EDIFACT and NDC fares and products in agency channels without surcharges.”

The airline also reconfirmed its planned NDC timeline of having its basic selling capabilities fully connected with its design partners – Accelya, ARC, Google and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) – by the end of 2024.

Sara Reid, Delta’s managing director of sales and distribution solutions and servicing, added that it was in discussions with GDS partners on NDC content, which will see integrations starting in the first half of 2025. She also announced a new “NDC consulting team”. 

“You still have lots of questions about Delta’s selling and servicing transformation,” added Reid. “You want some personalised guidance on how your organisation should prepare for NDC. You may need help educating people in your organisation on what NDC is and how it might change your travellers’ experiences.”

In a separate move, Delta has also launched a new programme, called Delta Business Traveller, designed to give all types of business passengers access to special offers. The platform, which is currently only open to US residents, allows existing SkyMiles loyalty scheme members to register for the new programme via the Delta website.

Sabre expands in EMEA

Meanwhile, Sabre has announced plans to expand operations in the EMEA region by growing its teams in key European markets such as the UK, France, Germany and Spain. This will include areas such as sales, technology and customer support.

Sean McDonald, Sabre’s managing director and vice president in EMEA, added: “These expansion plans support our ongoing focus on our strategic initiatives.

“The recent launch of various Sabre solutions marks a new era for the industry, where artificial intelligence, more extensive content and solutions for content fragmentation offer a range of possibilities for travel industry players to provide a modern retailing scheme.

“This is why our plans for the region include integrating new talents to reinforce this phase at Sabre.”