Turkish Airlines, a global leader in the aviation industry, is taking a bold step forward with the launch of its innovative New Distribution Capability (NDC) platform, TKCONNECT. This revolutionary technology marks a significant milestone in Turkish Airlines’ commitment to enhancing the travel experience for passengers and empowering its network of commercial partners.
What is TKCONNECT?
TKCONNECT is a cutting-edge NDC platform designed to streamline the travel booking process and offer a more personalized experience for both travel agents and travelers. This user-friendly platform provides a tailored marketplace with a range of exclusive features and benefits, fostering a win-win situation for all parties involved.
Benefits for Travel Agencies: A World of Advantages Awaits
Partnering with TKCONNECT unlocks a treasure trove of advantages for travel agencies. Here’s a closer look at what travel professionals can expect:
- Exclusive Features and Privileges: TKCONNECT goes beyond traditional booking platforms, offering travel agents access to a wider range of tools and resources. These exclusive features empower travel professionals to better serve their clients and optimize their business operations.
- Differentiated Ticket Pricing: TKCONNECT empowers travel agents to offer their clients competitive and attractive fares. This includes access to NDC-only promotional fares, allowing them to stand out from the competition and attract new customers.
- Rich Content at Your Fingertips: Gone are the days of limited information. TKCONNECT provides travel agents with access to a wealth of rich content, including detailed descriptions and captivating visuals to enhance the travel experience for their clients.
- Enhanced Ancillary Services: TKCONNECT streamlines the process of adding valuable ancillary services to bookings. Travel agents can effortlessly offer services like excess baggage allowance, preferred seat selection, and special equipment, creating a more convenient and personalized travel experience for their clients.
- A User-Friendly Interface: TKCONNECT prioritizes ease of use. The platform boasts a user-friendly web-based booking portal that simplifies the booking, ticketing, and post-ticketing processes, saving travel agents valuable time and streamlining their workflow.
Three Options to Meet Diverse Needs: TKCONNECT Caters to Every Partner
TKCONNECT understands that the needs of travel agencies can vary. To cater to this diversity, the platform offers three distinct options:
- TKCONNECT Direct: This option provides travel agencies with direct access to Turkish Airlines’ content via IATA-certified NDC APIs. This allows for instant access to fares, inventory, and additional service opportunities, offering maximum control and flexibility.
- TKCONNECT via Aggregator: For travel agencies that prefer a more integrated approach, TKCONNECT via Aggregator provides a facilitated connection to Turkish Airlines’ products and services. This option leverages industry-leading, IATA-registered, and Turkish Airlines-certified technology partners, ensuring a seamless experience.
- TKCONNECT User Interface: This web-based booking portal offers a user-friendly interface that simplifies booking, ticketing, and post-ticketing processes. Ideal for travel agencies seeking a convenient and straightforward solution, the TKCONNECT User Interface allows for quick access to fares, inventory, and additional service opportunities.
A Smooth Transition: GDS Access and the Future of Travel Distribution
Travel agencies not yet onboarded as TKCONNECT partners can maintain their current access to Turkish Airlines’ legacy content through Global Distribution Systems (GDS). However, it’s important to note that starting from October 1, 2024, bookings made via GDS will incur a distribution cost charge. Additionally, access to TKCONNECT’s exclusive features and differentiated rich content products will be limited to TKCONNECT users.
This strategic move by Turkish Airlines reflects a global shift towards NDC technology, which promises a more efficient and personalized travel booking experience. By embracing TKCONNECT, travel agencies can gain a competitive edge, while travelers can benefit from a wider range of options and a more streamlined booking process.
