Farelogix reports the launch of the Airline Commerce Gateway, an airline distribution technology platform that enables airlines to deliver content, including custom-tailored product offers, to travelers across multiple distribution outlets and customer touchpoints. The Gateway accommodates any airline’s desire to adopt IATA’s New Distribution Capability (NDC), Farelogix says.
Powered by Farelogix’s flagship distribution technology, the Gateway’s airline-controlled commerce environment combines five essential components: XML Host Connectivity (Direct Connect), an independent pricing engine (Virtual Fare Store), a highly versatile merchandising system (FMS), a distribution rules engine (Distribution Manager), and an XML API (Gateway API).
The Gateway serves as an airline’s delivery vehicle for customers shopping in both direct and indirect channels, including mobile devices and kiosks, Farelogix says.
“The Airline Commerce Gateway is the logical next step in the evolution of airlines moving from commodity sellers to bona fide retailers,” says Jim Davidson, president and CEO of Farelogix. “As airlines embrace more sophisticated customer engagement by dynamically and instantaneously matching available content with each customer request or trip status, the need for a centralized airline commerce environment becomes obvious."
"The Gateway is an industry breakthrough as it’s the first solution to integrate and optimize industry leading distribution technology engines into a single, ‘out-of-the-box’ solution that can serve all airline sales outlets, including the fast growing mobile channel," Davidson says.
By optimizing for mobile, the Farelogix Airline Commerce Gateway makes it possible for airlines to ensure uninterrupted and consistent customer engagement throughout the trip, whether a traveler is checking-in, upgrading a seat, purchasing inflight Wi-Fi, or taking advantage of any other flight or airport-related services.
"The Gateway is also the first technology platform to enable PNR (Passenger Name Record) self-service, including ticket changes and exchanges, ancillary purchases, and airline-generated passenger recovery options," Davidson says.
“The race is on for airlines to dynamically compete for customers with their best and most up-to-date content at every transaction or touchpoint opportunity,” explains Davidson. “The Farelogix Airline Commerce Gateway enables airlines to implement strategies focused on improving the customer experience, revving up their loyal customers, generating new revenues, and introducing new products and services. It does so while significantly reducing airline costs by eliminating the need to maintain a multitude of proprietary, outdated distribution connections and hard-coded services.”
The Farelogix Airline Commerce Gateway accommodates any airline’s desire to adopt IATA’s New Distribution Capability (NDC) based on IATA Resolution 787, Farelogix says.
The Gateway follows the NDC workflow guidelines, allowing for the airline to accept traveler-authenticated or anonymous search/offer requests directly from existing distribution providers including the GDSs, OTAs, and corporate booking tools, as well as the airline’s website, kiosk, call center, and mobile direct distribution channels. The Gateway also provides fully backwards-compatible distribution workflow for any channel not yet capable of supporting the NDC workflows.
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