Travel Management Companies Finally See Upgrades to Payment Technology

Much of the talk around so-called New Distribution Capability focuses on business travelers. Airlines, looking to implement a system that often gives them more control, are providing travelers access to lower rates and package deals through the new technology. Meanwhile, critics are examining how airlines stand to gain by upending the system, questioning whether New Distribution Capability is truly better for the industry.

One piece that has often been overlooked is how travel management companies fit into the picture, however. Sure, plenty of travel management companies are implementing new distribution technology, but how does that actually change their day-to-day operations?

In many cases, not very much, according to Robin Smith, chief product manager at UK-based travel management company Click Travel. While new distribution technology has created real differences for travelers and airlines, travel management companies are often stuck using legacy IT systems that have been in place for decades.

This might be starting to change, starting with Click Travel and British Airways. The International Air Transport Association has developed a new way to automate payments booked through New Distribution Capability, helping to modernize the way travel management companies operate, and these companies will be piloting it.

Read this story, and many more, below.

If you have any feedback about the newsletter or news tips, feel free to reach out via email at [email protected] or tweet @ikcarey.

— Isaac Carey, Travel Reporter

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Travel Reporter Isaac Carey [[email protected]] curates the Skift Corporate Travel Innovation Report. Skift emails the newsletter every Thursday.

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