On October 1st, Turkish Airlines made a groundbreaking announcement regarding the launch of their New Distribution Capability platform for agents. This new platform, known as TKConnect, is set to revolutionize the way agents book flights and access information related to Turkish Airlines. Along with this new platform, Turkish Airlines also disclosed that they will start charging a distribution fee for bookings done through global distribution systems (GDS). This bold move signifies a shift in the airline industry and raises several questions about the future of airline distribution.
Features of TKConnect
Turkish Airlines’ Chief Commercial Officer, Ahmet Olmustur, highlighted that TKConnect will provide advanced technology in a user-friendly manner. The platform will offer exclusive promotional fares that are only accessible through NDC, along with enriched content including visuals and descriptions. Additionally, the platform will provide diverse ticket pricing options and enhanced ancillary services, aiming to give agents a comprehensive booking experience.
Turkish Airlines is offering three primary connection options to access the TKConnect platform. Agents can directly connect through NDC APIs, opt for an aggregator connection via certified technology partners (not specified by Turkish Airlines), or utilize a web-based booking portal introduced by the carrier. These varied options cater to different preferences and technical capabilities of the agents, ensuring accessibility and ease of use.
While Turkish Airlines did not specify the exact surcharge for GDS bookings starting October 1st, the announcement of a fee raise concerns among agents who heavily rely on GDS for their bookings. The carrier stated that agents can still access legacy content via GDS, albeit with the fee, but the new promotional fares and enriched content will only be accessible through TKConnect. This move raises questions about the future of GDS and whether other airlines will follow suit in charging distribution fees.
Turkish Airlines’ introduction of the TKConnect platform and distribution fee for GDS bookings marks a significant shift in airline distribution strategies. The emphasis on advanced technology, exclusive content, and enhanced services reflects a commitment to improving the booking experience for agents and passengers alike. However, the implications of this decision, particularly the surcharge for GDS bookings, will undoubtedly spark discussions and potentially reshape the airline distribution landscape. It remains to be seen how agents and other airlines will respond to these changes and adapt to the evolving distribution model introduced by Turkish Airlines.