As Qantas rolls out its New Distribution Capability (NDC) platform today, Australia’s largest privately owned travel management and event company CT Connections’ clients will enjoy immediate and first-mover access to the airline’s Premium NDC content.
CT Connections’ clients will benefit from deeper discounts, bundled seat offers, status perks and companion fares from today, thanks to the business being the very first to access
Qantas’ Premium NDC content from day one.
Premium NDC provides average savings of about 8% on Qantas domestic fares on top of clients’ existing airline corporate deals.
Clients can get tailored fare options and improved visibility on Qantas Points and Status Credits, discounted fares and tailored offers for Qantas Business Reward members and enhanced disruption management.
It also enables clients to avoid the legacy EDIFACT surcharges of $11.50 per sector, by purchasing the Premium NDC content.
| Distribution Type | Airfare | Surcharges | Total Cost | Savings from CT Connections Premium NDC |
| Qantas EDIFACT | $424 | $23 | $447 | $69 pr 18% more |
| Qantas Standard NDC | $408 | $9 | $417 | $39 or 10% more |
| CT Connections’ Qantas Premium NDC | $378 | $0 | $378 | – |
“While other providers may offer standard NDC access, CT Connections is ready to deliver the full experience through the Qantas Premium NDC channel, ensuring our clients benefit from every innovation as it rolls out,’’ Connections Travel Group Chief Commercial Officer Andre Moten said.
“It’s clear from the conversations happening across the market that some providers are delaying adoption client-side, highlighting worst-case scenarios instead of real-world performance. But NDC isn’t theoretical. It’s already in play across the industry, and Qantas is simply the next major carrier to make the leap. While others stagger their rollouts, we’ve invested, trained, and gone live. We know our clients value continuity, speed, and clarity and our approach delivers all three. At Connections Travel Group, we’re not navigating uncertainty. We’re offering certainty in a changed environment.”
CT Connections is a leader in the space and was the first Australian TMC to successfully book Qantas NDC content using Zeno by Serko.
Mr Moten said being at the forefront of technological change was one of the reasons Connections Travel Group, had become the largest privately owned travel company in Australia.
The embrace of Qantas NDC comes as Connections Travel Group celebrates its 25-year anniversary with its success driven by an operating philosophy framed around the African principle of Ubuntu meaning “I am because of you’’.
Mr Moten said part of that philosophy was an ability to lead change not just react to it.
“At Connections Travel Group we pride ourselves on being a future-focused business and we are proud that CT Connections continues to lead that charge in the corporate travel space through its embrace of Qantas NDC,’’ he said.
“While others are still adjusting to these industry wide changes, CT Connections is ready. Our team is trained, our technology is in place and our clients can move forward confidently, knowing their travel program will be fulfilled with the best value-for-money options available, including the fullest selection from Qantas’ airfare inventory.’’
