TPConnects Strengthens Travel Distribution with Unified Access to 60+ Airlines and 4 GDS on Iris Platform

In a significant development for the travel industry, TPConnects Technologies has announced a major expansion of its Iris platform, which now offers unified access to over 60 airlines, including both New Distribution Capability (NDC) and low-cost carriers (LCC). This integration also encompasses all four major Global Distribution Systems (GDS)—Amadeus, Sabre, Travelport, and Abacus—allowing travel sellers to efficiently access, compare, book, and manage air content through a singular workflow.

Expanding Airline Access

The recent enhancements to the Iris platform include the integration of prominent low-cost carriers such as easyJet, Volotea, Transavia, and Wizz Air, facilitated through a partnership with Kyte. Additionally, full-service airlines like Cathay Pacific, Turkish Airlines, Riyadh Air, and ITA Airways have also been integrated into the system. This expansion is designed to address the growing demand for diverse airline options in a rapidly evolving travel landscape.

Navigating Hybrid Distribution

As airlines increasingly adopt modern retailing practices through NDC and richer offers, travel sellers find themselves operating within a hybrid distribution environment. This environment requires the management of multiple content sources, including NDC, LCC, and GDS, while navigating diverse booking processes and inconsistent servicing capabilities. Despite advancements in technology, operational complexity remains a significant challenge.

Stephanos Kykkotis, Director of Product for Travel Seller Solutions at TPConnects Technologies, emphasized the need for a unified workflow. He stated that travel sellers require a streamlined system that can keep pace with the demands of modern airline retailing. With Iris, agencies can access a comprehensive range of content in one location, which enhances operational speed and consistency in servicing.

Simplifying Content Access

Iris is engineered to simplify the complexities associated with hybrid distribution. By unifying content access and streamlining workflows, the platform aids travel sellers in unlocking new revenue streams. Key features of Iris include:

• Broader Airline Access: A single platform that consolidates GDS, NDC, and LCC content.
• Consistent Workflow: A standardized process for shopping and booking across various content sources.
• Flexibility and Scalability: Adaptability to evolving airline retailing and distribution models.

Iris caters to a diverse array of travel sellers, including Travel Management Companies (TMCs), Online Travel Agencies (OTAs), and consolidators, all seeking to modernize their airline content access while ensuring operational continuity.

Enhancing Operational Efficiency

The Iris platform is designed to bolster the day-to-day performance of travel sellers through several key operational enhancements:

• Streamlined Workflows: The platform facilitates a seamless process across the stages of Shop, Order, Pay, and Service, minimizing system switching and repetitive tasks.
• Revenue Growth: Built-in commercial capabilities support revenue enhancement through features such as a configurable pricing engine, content control for promoting preferred carriers, and improved commission management.
• End-to-End Servicing: Comprehensive support throughout the booking lifecycle, including workflows for exchanges and refunds, disruption-related servicing, and ancillary management.
• Flexible Deployment Options: Iris is accessible via a browser-based portal, which includes white-label solutions and agency hierarchy management, as well as a normalized API for integration into existing seller environments.
• Future-Proof Technology: The platform is built to adapt to industry standards and agency needs, ensuring long-term scalability and compliance.

TPConnects’ Commitment to Innovation

TPConnects Technologies is recognized as an IATA-certified global provider of airline retailing, NDC, and content aggregation solutions. With its dual flagship products—Astra for Airlines and Iris for Travel Sellers—TPConnects has facilitated over 2 billion orders for more than 60 customers. These solutions are instrumental in helping travel sellers increase revenue, streamline operations, and enhance customer experiences.

The company has achieved Airline Retailing Maturity status under the IATA ARMi program and has received IATA Financial Gateway (IFG) Certification, reinforcing its position as a leader in travel retailing innovation. TPConnects is actively expanding its footprint in markets with rising demand for modern airline distribution and retailing solutions, leveraging the benefits of IATA’s NDC standardization.

Travel industry organizations interested in joining TPConnects’ International Reseller Program can find more information on their website.

For further details about TPConnects and its offerings, visit TPConnects.

Source: www.zawya.com

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