November 2023

eSky Group and AEGEAN switch to “Direct Connect” integration with the newest 21.3 NDC version

eSky Group, the owner of a travel platform, is taking its business relationship with Greece's largest carrier, AEGEAN, to the next level. In August 2023, the long-standing cooperation between two companies resulted in establishing direct connection with the newest 21.3 NDC version for the leading Greek airline offers on eSky sites.

New Distribution Capability (NDC) is a digital retail model developed by the International Air Transport Association for the airline industry. It created a buzz when it introduced anew standard for offering flight deals between carriers and travel agents. This model replaced the traditional Global Distribution Systems (GDS) with a direct connection between airlines and travel sellers.

NDC retail model brings new business opportunities for travel companies

Direct NDC integration in 21.3 version that eSky Group and AEGEAN implemented in August 2023 opens many optimization opportunities for further operational development. Being based on culmination of features and enhancements, the latest NDC 21.3 version brings a wider range of cooperation model between eSky Group and the largest Greek carrier in terms of retail value. The distinguishing features of version 21.3 of the NDC technology are numerous, but the most important are reliability and integrity.

We are thrilled to announce the success of our partnership with AEGEAN as we continue to lead the travel industry through innovative technology. Implementing the NDC 21.3 has greatly improved cross-company communication and customer service, revolutionizing how we utilize carrier offerings. We at eSky Group are committed to becoming the first-choice travel booking platform in Central and Eastern Europe, and our partnership with AEGEAN allows us to deliver personalized services and enhanced efficiency to our valued customers.

Jakub Bajorski, eSky Group’s Chief Product Officer

Moreover, for travel sellers, it involves faster customization of offers on the sites, easier ridding of data exchange congestion with carriers, as well as a more streamlined transaction process for customers. It’s noteworthy that eSky Group is the pilot online travel agency globally to develop the “Direct Connect” in 21.3 NDC version with AEGEAN. The implementation of AEGEAN NDC-based system in 2020 allowed eSky Group to triple its airline ticket sales on flights operated by the awarded Greek carrier.

We are excited to bring NDC adoption to the next level in cooperation with our partner eSky. The implementation of NDC 21.3 is an industry milestone, and AEGEAN and eSky Group have partnered to be at the forefront of adoption in order to serve our common customers even better than before. This is a great example of how two partners team up to create real customer value, through technology advancement.

Roland Jaggi, Chief Commercial Officer at AEGEAN

First-hand information and greater transparency are NDC's strengths

eSky Group has deployed AEGEAN’s NDC system in more than 50 markets. The transition from GDS to NDC technology enables eSky Group to adapt its offers to customers' changing needs at any time. In addition, speeding up the transaction process aims to improve the quality of passenger service. On the other hand, airlines operating under the NDC model gain more control over the sale of their services through better management of communications with their counterparties.

The comprehensive integration of the eSky Group's sales system with AEGEAN’s NDC model is another milestone for the company to modernize its retail channels for the offer of key air carriers. Currently, the Polish travel booking platform provides its users with deals from 35 airlines through an innovative distribution model. However, it is aiming for NDC technology to cover at least half of sales in the full-service airlines segment later this year.

Eugene Triasun

Senior PR Specialist at eSky Group

+48 781 010 873

Deniz Rymkiewicz