Douglas Mwiti 
Kenya Airways (KQ) has upgraded its travel booking platform in a move aimed at providing a more advanced and comprehensive experience for its corporate travel buyers and travel agencies.
The airline has partnered with ARC, a leading air travel intelligence and omnichannel distribution company, to enhance its New Distribution Capability (NDC).
NDC allows airlines to seamlessly generate and share offers with customers across various channels, using a standardized data exchange format centered on Offer and Order management processes.
Kenya Airways customers will now be able to get real-time updates, personalized itineraries and improved ancillary services.
It will enable Kenya Airways to offer richer content and detailed information through its booking platforms while providing a consistent settlement experience through ARC’s trusted platform.
“As our distribution strategy evolves, we recognize the imperative of an NDC solution that aligns with the dynamic needs of our customers.
This collaboration with ARC is a pivotal step forward in our journey toward customer centricity,” said Julius Thairu, chief commercial and customer officer at Kenya Airways.
He added: “Kenya Airways remains steadfast in its commitment to elevating the customer journey, and this collaboration marks a significant leap forward in achieving that goal.
We are excited about the possibilities Direct Connect unlocks in the U.S.market, and we look forward to setting new standards in the aviation industry.”
“We are delighted to onboard Kenya Airways with ARC Direct Connect, which will empower them to redefine how they engage with travel agencies and travel managers,” said Paige Blunt, senior manager of Direct Connect and ONE Order at ARC. “This collaboration will distinguish Kenya Airways’ products and establish a consistent shopping experience across channels, offering access to content that was previously exclusive to the airline’s direct channel.”
Introduced in 2018,ARC Direct gives airlines the flexibility to implement distribution strategies that best suit their needs and manage travel agency partnerships.
