Kenya Airways has introduced a new initiative enabling non-IATA travel agencies in Kenya and the broader region to access its New Distribution Capability (NDC) content through the Amadeus travel technology platform. This development aims to modernize airline ticket distribution, allowing smaller and independent agencies to search, price, and book Kenya Airways' NDC offers directly within Amadeus, thus enhancing their competitiveness and access to richer airline content.
NDC is an industry standard driven by IATA that facilitates the distribution of more personalized and dynamic travel offers, including additional fare families, seat options, and ancillary services. Eligible agencies are required to have a valid Travel Industry Designator Service (TIDS) number issued by IATA, and an ES or EOS agreement configured within Amadeus. Agencies can request access by contacting Kenya Airways directly through NDC@kenya-airways.com and copying their Amadeus account manager.
The Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) has welcomed this move, emphasizing that it promotes a more inclusive travel ecosystem and aligns with global trends in airline retailing. Industry analysts believe this transition towards NDC-based retailing will benefit travel agencies by offering more transparency, flexibility, and personalized options, ultimately improving traveler experiences and competitiveness across the African region.
This initiative reflects the broader shift in airline distribution technology, as airlines and travel tech providers globally expand NDC adoption, opening new opportunities for Kenyan agencies to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.
