Firm unveils new tech solution for airlines

Verteil Technologies has launched a platform for travel sellers to directly connect with airlines using IATA NDC-based direct connect technology.

According to a statement on Saturday, the platform will enhance superior, customer-centric, and efficient business operations in the aviation industry.

The event attracted over 85 attendees comprising travel agencies, airline representatives, associations, and industry stakeholders.

Speaking at the event, co-founder and chief product officer of Verteil Technologies, Satheesh Satchit, said the technology, which has been adopted by major airlines, would aid airlines in making their services available to agents globally while reducing distribution costs.

He said, “The technology that Verteil provides helps airlines to achieve two goals. Airlines can distribute their products and services to travel sellers across the globe through Verteil at a much lower cost.

“That means the cost of distribution for airlines comes down significantly compared to the current distribution costs. This cost reduction is significant because distribution cost is the third largest cost item after fuel cost and staff cost.”

Aside from cost reduction, the CPO explained that the technology also allows them to move into a more retailing world where they can sell many more products and services in comparison to selling commodities today.

Satchit added, “Commodity means seat. They are only able to sell seats. Tomorrow they will be able to sell a lot of things like car rentals, hotels, meals, Wi-Fi vouchers, and lounge access. A person travelling on a flight can be sold a hundred different things. They are called ancillaries, which can be air-related or non-air-related.

“Anything that makes sense to a traveller, they can sell. They can bundle it with the fare. They can unbundle it like you see in supermarkets. So, it is the same way; you will be able to do it with airlines also. Airlines have not been able to do that all these years because of the 40-50-year-old technology limitations.”

He noted, “New Distribution Capability is an IATA-initiated programme that started way back in 2012. So, because of the cost of distribution, airlines and IATA decided to launch this initiative.

They created a standard called NDC, which is an API XML-based standard. And technology companies like us built the technology based on that standard. So, that is why, as I presented, we are a completely IATA-certified NDC aggregator.”.

Describing Nigeria as a good market, the CPO stated that the organisation looks forward to working with airlines based in Nigeria even as he stressed that discussions were ongoing.

“Verteil is invested in ensuring that NDC-based technology is available for Nigeria-based travel sellers with a local sales and account management team available for travel sellers to reach out directly,” he said.

During the event, Verteil Technologies took the opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge its valued customers, including some of the largest travel sellers in Nigeria, for their remarkable adoption of its NDC technology solutions.

The recognition highlighted the commitment of these agencies to embracing innovative distribution methods that enhance efficiency and reduce costs.

By adopting Verteil’s cutting-edge platform, these agencies are leading the way in transforming how airline products and services are retailed in Nigeria.

This acknowledgement reinforced Verteil’s dedication to supporting its customers and fostering a collaborative ecosystem that drives the future of airline distribution.