Direct Channels - FAQs

Table of Contents

General

Q: What is NDC ?

A: NDC (New Distribution Capability) is a travel industry-supported program (NDC Program) launched by IATA for the development and market adoption of a new, XML-based data transmission standard (NDC Standard). The NDC Standard enhances the capability of communications between airlines and travel agents and enables to transform the way air products are retailed by addressing the industry’s current distribution limitations:

• Product differentiation and time-to-market
• Access to full and rich air content
• Transparent shopping experience

Q: What is the interest for an IATA agency to connect through Direct Channel?

A: Sales through Direct Channel help agents to avoid GDS fee (up to 60USD for return connecting journey, 2USD per each Ancillary) and get the same fares and content UIA provides to our clients through our Website.

Q: Can one agency/consolidator have and use more than 1 of these systems?

A: Yes, if business model requires so.

Q: Is UIA content available through aggregators?

A: Yes, we partner with Crazy Llama (by Easylinkz) Easylinkz (Wenor) SOLUTION FOR DIRECT SALES.

NDC API

Q: What are the benefits of connecting directly to UIA NDC APIs?

A: Direct connect allows for a tailor made integration of UIA NDC content in travel agents’ existing tools and processes.

Q: Are there any costs involved in the setup of NDC?

A: We do not charge you for connecting to our direct channel.

Q: Can non IATA agencies connect directly to UIA NDC APIs?

A: Only IATA agencies can currently connect directly to UIA NDC APIs.

Q: Will Special fares be available through NDC?

A: All special fares are published in NEGO, access is based on Office ID irrespective to the booking channel. The only difference is GDS fee will not be applicable in direct channels.

Following fares are available:

• All public fares
• Corporate fares 
• Touroperator fares
• VFR fares
• Marine fares 
• Branded fares
• Student fares 

Q: Are ticketing cancellations, refunds and reissues possible via the NDC?

A: Cancellations are possible. Reissues and refunds are in our roadmap NDC Portal#UIANDCAPI.RoadMap2020.  Until then the functionality is available via AIDL or MMB section on UIA website.

Q: Can bookings be put on hold as per the time limit?

A: Yes, NDC returns ticketing time limit as per inventory and fare rules (the soonest of RBD TKTL and Fare quoted). Please keep in mind fare quotation is valid for 72 hours, when expired needs refresh to ensure all airport taxes and exchange rate (when applicable) are up to date.

Q: Are codeshares included in the NDC response?

A: Yes, UIA marketing flights are available through NDC channel.

Q: Does UIA offer multi segment routes (like AMS-KBP-ODS return) via NDC?

A: Yes, all UIA operated and marketing routes, including multi segment routes, are available in NDC API.

Q: How are involuntary changes managed?

A: Current re-accommodation processes applies also to NDC bookings. Travel agents will be notified about all schedule changes in respective Queue of their dedicated AIDL office.

Q: Does agency needs only one Account data and password for all sub users?

or is it possible to create multiple user accounts under one Agents IATA nb with NDC?

A: For NDC API we create separate Key to access web services and AIDL office id for booking creation per Agency. There is no need for multiple user accounts for NDC API since it is just a software product, which aims to provide an integration capability to an agent’s booking applications (if any).

Q: How NDC optimizes look-to-book ratio, does it limit non-productive requests?

A: NDC checks all incoming availability requests against active routings and returns an error if routing is not available in UIA and UIA partners` network.

AIDL

Q: What is the difference between Amadeus GDS terminal and AIDL?

A: AIDL has the same layout, entries and functionality as Amadeus GDS PCC. The only difference is that AIDL is directly connected to Airline inventory (direct channel).

Q: If an agent signs up to AIDL they will in fact be registering to use Amadeus and therefore will need to know how to use Amadeus (ie. all the entries)? 

A: AIDL requires standard AMA entries. UIA offers alternative solutions, like Crazy Llama or book through UIA website using promocodes, where cryptic entries are not required.

Q: What sort of reports does AIDL generates – and does it work with any of the agency back-office systems?

A: UIA AIDL office sales reports can be provided on request in .HOT format only, on nightly basis. If any other format, like Amadeus Interface Record, is expected, conversion will be required.

Q: Are there any important commands or applications in AIDL blocked or not supported which Agent might be using for daily business with regular AMA ?

for example refunding ?

A: AIDL is standard AMA office with all functionality available. The only difference -  it is directly connected to airline host and is limited with airline subscribed features.

Q: Can I book passenger itinerary including PS interline partners?

A: Following interline partners are available in UIA AIDL: KL, AF, J2, TK, TP, B6, 9U, BT, OS, EY, LH, WS, AC, TG, PG, B2, ET.

Q: Does the AIDL system supports connectivity with regular Agents GDS? Can PNR´s been transferred or clone from one to another system?  

A: UIA commercial policy is restricting PNR transfer from UIA direct channel to GDS channel (neither Responsibility change nor Extended Ownership Security set up). Please remember we apply GDS fee for bookings made through GDS.

Q: Are sales reported in Agency “Classical” GDS will included in agency GDS global revenue and then help to reach their commission scheme (or minimum segment to reach)?

A: No, this is airline direct sales channel, not GDS sales.

Q: Will sales report be available through Agency own GDS?

A: No, this is airline direct sales channel. Sales report will be available only through AIDL and BSPLink.

Easylinkz (Wenor) solution for direct sales

Q: Is Easylinkz an IATA ticketing Agent ?

A: No, Easylinkz is a technology provider. We do not work with end customer/passenger, hence we do not sell tickets, however we provide off line IATA Agents with the technology, which allows Agent to sell an Airline tickets directly from Airline’s NDC/API within one user screen.

Q: As an IATA Agent, do I need to adjust my current business model set up to Easylinkz technology ?

A: No, our technology does not interfere into the Agent’s business model set up i.e. into the settlements with: BSP, sub-agent, passenger etc. The set up stays the same, however our technology simplifies the business processes and allows Agent to handle all daily operations more quicker and effective, within one user screen in real time. Note: not applicable to ARC agents.

Q: Will I keep all special incentives/fares agreed with Airline?

A: Yes, all your special deals with Airline normally stay as they are. Note: subject to Airline confirmation.

Q: How could we start using your technology platform ?

A: It takes just 5 days to get connected & one hour training with free trial period of 2 months and flexible commercial model.

Q: Which IATA office is used for booking and ticketing ?

A: Booking and ticketing are executed through IATA Agent own IATA office ID credentials. Note: not applicable to ARC agents.

Q: Is your technology secure ?

A: Yes, it’s successfully certified by Ukraine International Airlines and all other carriers connected to the platform. We are GDPR compliant, following all European standards about personal data processing.

Q: How do I proceed with refund, void or exchange ?

A: we have several alternatives at your convenience to select for refund, void, exchange etc. procedures:

1. 100% Easylinkz 24/7 Customer Care Centre (our average response rate is up to 1 minute)
2. 100% Your own Help Desk
3. Partly Easylinkz 24/7 Customer Care Centre i.e. we cover: night shifts, days offs, holidays – daily shifts stay with your own Help Desk.

Q: What if I already have direct access with Airline ?

A: Then it can be easily integrated in our technology platform under your IATA office ID credentials.

Q; Are all platform components i.e. GDS plugin, Mid/Back Office included in the License purchase cost and no any additional costs involved?

A: Yes, included. No additional costs for Mid/Back office.

Q: Is there any manual of the platform?

A: Yes, it is available and presented during onboarding/training stage or upon your request.

Q: Will it be possible to set up a dedicated training at the beginning?

A: Yes, certainly training is very user friendly, hence it takes in average just 1 hour.

GRPM (Group Module)

Q: Is the group module for allocations use as well as ad-hoc group requests

A: Group module can be used for ad-hoc and chains/allocations. 

Website using Promo codes

Q: How agent sales are tracked when booked throw airline website?

A: Each agent is assigned unique “Promocode” number, when used to track this agent`s sales for incentive program.

Q: How can we access special fares when booking through airline website?

A: when this is the case, agent “Promocode” will avail applicable discount.

Q: Is there a dedicated page / Access

A: Agents are using same access, as other clients. Agent sales are identified with specific Promo Code number.

Q: How they agencies can be registered

A: Agents need to contact UIA Sales Manager to be registered and obtain unique Promo Code.

Payments

Direct Contract Deposit

Q: What would be the minimum deposit that will be required?

A: There is no minimum requirement; you calculate required amount based on your planned sales volumes. However, please consider Bank Transfer may take up to 3 banking days and, if your deposit limit is reached, your sales will be blocked and reopen only when we see Bank Transfer on UIA account. To help you to prevent sales blockage we configured the system to send you notification when 80% of your amount is reached, so you may take action to pop up your deposit on time.

Q: How frequently the balance is monitored?

A: The stock is available as soon as we see positive balance on UIA account. Available amount is automatically adjusted with each new sale.  System is configured to send notification to your provided contact address as soon as 80% of your deposit is reached. In case of refund, it will be assumed back to your balance at the end of month sale period.

Q: How will agencies refresh their balances?

A: Balance can be refreshed with direct Bank Transfer. The stock becomes available as soon as we see positive balance on UIA account. Bank Transfer may take up to 3 banking days.

Payment options:

BSP cash payment. CC payment is in our roadmap.

Instant payment and “pay later” (before Ticketing Time Limit) capabilities are also available.