QR NDC FAQs
QR NDC FAQs
This document lists FAQs related to the Qatar Airways NDC Programme, Oryx Connect. For further queries, contact your Qatar Airways account manager.
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NDC (New Distribution Capability) is an industry initiative launched and supported by IATA for the development and market adoption of a new, XML-based data transmission standard (NDC Standard). The NDC Standard enhances the capability of communications between the airlines and Trade Partners to meet the future need of Airline Retailing
There are various benefits of NDC. Firstly, for the airline, NDC standard enhances the capability of distributing in a modern way of Qatar Airways’ products to the Trade Partners, TMC’s, OTAs, Consolidators and other 3rd Party Sellers. For the Sellers, NDC means better booking experience and upsell opportunities. It also provides the opportunity to improve the end-to-end airline distribution process, e.g. introducing flight details and ancillary products in a faster, richer and more dynamic way. It enables airlines to deliver enhanced customer experiences through personalized offers, rich content and dynamic pricing.
In NDC, offers are generated by the airline based on the search enquiries (Shopping request flow) of the Seller. Offer means flight and seat availability with airfare that could be bundled with other products such as ancillary services.
Offer becomes an order once the customer or Seller accepts the offer resulting in the creation of a unique order reference number, like a PNR in traditional GDS environment.
Yes, Qatar Airways has obtained Airline Retailing Maturity index (ARM) certification from IATA.
It means that we have full Offer & Order Management capabilities. In addition to all the booking and selling capabilities, key elements of servicing, like changes in NDC booking, are also supported. More information on different retailing capabilities available on NDC can be found via: https://retailing.iata.org/armi/registry/qr
Currently Qatar Airways is using NDC schema version 18.1 powered by Amadeus Altea NDC
Yes, we will upgrade to later versions as we progress with our NDC development
Qatar Airways is using Amadeus Altea NDC. In addition Accelya Farelogix NDC solution which powers Oryx Portal (SPRK booking tool). We intend to retain both solutions for the foreseeable future.
No, it doesn’t, because NDC is only the standard that enables better retailing capabilities and will be connected also to GDS platforms. GDSs are building their own NDC capabilities and could connect to the Qatar Airways NDC programme via Oryx Link and serve as NDC aggregators in the future. We have implemented NDC in the Amadeus and Sabre GDS platforms and discussions are underway with a range of other Global Distribution Systems and aggregators.
Customers increasingly expect personalized offers that contain a combination of products and services that best suit their needs. Qatar Airways has invested in capabilities so that fares, conditions, discounts, ancillary product and service combinations can all be adjusted based on the preferences of travelers, Sellers and stakeholders.
- I. Via BSP / ARC markets: NDC is activated in all main markets.
- II. Via Non-BSP markets: NDC is activated in selected non-BSP markets such as Armenia, Algeria, Iraq, and Sudan.
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Qatar Airways has launched NDC programme called Oryx Connect. There are 3 different options within the programme for the Seller to connect to NDC.
I. Oryx Direct - A Trade Partner can connect to Qatar Airways via a direct connect API (Application Programming Interface) which will give them access to Qatar Airways offers (Flight availability, fares, ancillary products). This will require the agency partner to have dedicated IT resources for the technical integration.
II. Oryx Link - This is an option to connect through various Qatar Airways approved aggregators which combine the NDC content from different airlines in their platform. These content aggregators will offer you the opportunity to access Qatar Airways’ content without having to undertake extensive technical development or integration. Agents can now access NDC content via a range of approved aggregators including Amadeus Travel Platform and Sabre Platform. Discussions are underway with a range of other Global Distribution Systems and aggregators.
III. Oryx Portal – This is recommended only for selected non-BSP markets for Trade Partners who want to gain fast, free and easy access to NDC content and offers.
Trade Partners should either familiarize themselves through Qatar Airways Trade Portal or contact a Qatar Airways account manager to understand the different connectivity options available and agree on the selected solution.
In order to get access to the full benefits and servicing capabilities of our NDC Programme, we encourage all Sellers to register via our Trade Portal and indicate their preferred connection method. If the Seller is currently using Amadeus or Sabre platforms, they don’t need to register but we still recommend it so that they can be serviced the best possible way.
Qatar Airways is working closely with a broad range of NDC aggregators, including GDSs, and the list of approved aggregators is available in the Trade Portal at the Oryx Link section
In order to get access to the full benefits and servicing capabilities of our NDC Programme, we encourage all Sellers to register via our Trade Portal and indicate their preferred connection method. Trade Partners once approved by Qatar Airways will need to agree on the onboarding process and possible commercials with the aggregator partner.
As different GDSs have different progress on their NDC implementations and onboarding requirements before granting agents access, please approach your respective GDS for more information
Qatar Airways is not charging a Trade Partner to join the NDC programme. Cost may, however, be incurred depending on your choice of technology partner or platform to provide the NDC content. You may need to contact your chosen technology partner or platform to find out more.
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This varies, depending on the payment & settlement method that the Trade Partner uses.
- I. Settlement via BSP / ARC market: It is not required for an IATA appointed Trade Partner to sign a separate agreement as the Trade Partner is obliged to follow Qatar Airways policies.
- II. Settlement via Non-BSP market: It is required for the Trade Partner to sign an NDC Seller Agreement with Qatar Airways.
Qatar Airways recommends BSP participating Trade Partners to settle only via BSP channel.
Qatar Airways recommends non-BSP participating Trade Partners to obtain Go-Lite accreditation in BSP markets and settle via BSP using IATA-Easy Pay solution or by payment card
Qatar Airways can support trading outside of BSP via bank guarantee or cash deposit arrangements only on selected Non-BSP/ Non-ARC markets
Depending on how the Seller connects, there are different capabilities available. The following capabilities are available on all connection types. Features that are currently supported by Oryx Connect, Qatar Airways NDC programme, are;
- I. Full availability of Qatar Airways published flight schedules and flight information including codeshare flights and over 100 interline connections.
- II. Ability to sell all published Qatar Airways fares including easily identifiable Fare Families and associated product benefits such as free seating and lounge access.
- III. Depending on the connection type, Trade Partners can access rich content including images, videos and flight information with aircraft type, available cabins and interactive seat maps.
- IV. Ability to sell a variety of Qatar Airways private fares for authorized Sellers.
- V. Ability to sell ancillary products such as preferred seats and baggage.
- VI. Ability to add Special Service Requests (SSR) like wheelchair, special meals etc. similar to all special service request capabilities that are currently available in the GDS.
- VII. Oryx Connect Programme facilitates multiple payment methods.
- VIII. Ability to service NDC bookings via Oryx Portal similar to all servicing capabilities that are currently available in the GDS (Rebooking, cancellations and refunds etc.).
Currently all Qatar Airways marketed codeshare flights can be booked via all NDC connectivity options. The majority of our 100+ interline partners are also bookable via solutions connected to Altea NDC (depending on platform capabilities - for example Sabre doesn’t currently support interline connections). Only interline connections of American Airlines and WestJet are available via Oryx Portal.
Yes, up to 6 flight segments, including Open Jaw sectors are supported.
Preferred Seats and Baggage related ancillaries are already active and more ancillaries will be made available in 2023.
Please note that access to private fares will be provided only to eligible Trade Partners
Existing Trade Partners who already are connected to Amadeus Travel Platform (Sell Connect UI): Agent has to retrieve a private fare (if eligible) using an account code.
Trade Partners who are not connected to Amadeus Travel Platform (Sell Connect UI):
At the time of signing up for NDC, as part of the onboarding process, these account codes will be provided.
Qatar Airways plans to offer a specific incentive programme for NDC bookings for eligible Trade Partners.
In general most of the passenger type codes are supported, however Sabre platform currently supports adult passenger type code (ADT) only.
Group bookings are currently not available via any of the NDC connection options that Qatar Airways provides.
BSP markets: NDC bookings will be included in the Sales Reports provided by BSP to the Trade Partners.
Non-BSP markets: Separate reports will be raised by Airline for NDC bookings
There will be less room for errors in NDC but any violations will be subject to ADM as defined in Qatar Airways’ policies (QAPAP).
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Yes, deferred payment option is supported.
If the journey includes another Airline sector, each carrier will apply its own Ticketing Time Limit (TTL). However, in a case where there are multiple TTLs, the most restrictive TTL/condition will apply. The most restrictive TTL will be reflected in NDC.
I. Via BSP/ARC channel: The ticket stock will be airline stock and the control will be part of the overall BSP control via Ticketing Authority process.
II. Via Non-BSP / Non-ARC channel: The ticket stock will be either airline stock or neutral stock depending on the NDC solution and will be controlled by Qatar Airways.
E-ticket and EMD number details will be provided in OrderViewRS message of NDC verb.
Currently this is not supported.
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Primarily NDC bookings should be serviced through the NDC solution that Trade Partner has selected. If this not possible due to limitations of the platform, Trade Partner can use the chat function available in Qatar Airways and make a request to reissue ticket within 24 hours prior to departure.
No, NDC bookings can only be retrieved via NDC enabled platforms. Trade Partner will not be able to retrieve a booking made through EDIFACT in an NDC channel or vice versa.
No, the cryptic entries can’t be used in NDC environment. To retrieve the booking they will need to use the graphical User interface (GUI) provided by the platform.
Trade Partner can add ancillary services via Qatar Airways official website under Manage My Booking.
Trade Partner can add the service via Qatar Airways official website under Manage My Booking.
Trade Partner can add the service via Qatar Airways official website under Manage My Booking.
The servicing capabilities vary by aggregator platform. If this is not supported by the platform, they must either Manage via Trade Portal (self-service module), or contact Trade Desk Support via Trade Portal chat tool.
These elements can be added via manage my booking in Qatar Airways Trade Portal.
Based on the platform that the agent is using, the date change prior to ticketing can be done within the platform itself.
Based on the platform that the agent is using, the date change and the reissuance can be done within the platform. However due to platform limitation if the agent is not able to perform this task, then they can contact the Call Center and have the ticket reissued within 24 hours prior to departure.
Please note that if the Call Center does the rebooking, Trade Partner will lose the control of the booking and the new fare will be normal published fares. (In case initial ticket is issued on Private fare)
The servicing capabilities vary by aggregator platform. For example, if the agent has connected via Amadeus Travel Platform and needs to split the order, they must either manage via Trade Portal (self-service module), or contact Trade Desk Support via Trade Portal chat tool or create individual PNRs. If the PNR is split outside of NDC, the Trade Partner won’t be able to see the split PNR
Sabre platform currently supports single passenger bookings so the split scenario doesn’t apply.
They can view the parent PNR but can’t perform further action on the PNR
No, name changes are currently not supported in NDC. Qatar Airways may however allow name changes/corrections, based on Policy.
The changes can be done via manage my booking in Trade Portal
Like the traditional GDS environment, the Trade Partner and end consumer will be notified of the flight disruptions depending on the capabilities of the platform provided that the contact details are in the booking.
If the PNR is cancelled under Revenue Integrity processes (fictitious name, duplicate PNR etc) the reason for cancellation will not be communicated to the Trade Partner if there are no active segments in the PNR.
The Trade Partner will not receive a warning or cancellation message, however, the unticketed PNR will be cancelled by the Airline and when the agent tries to retrieve it, there won’t be any active segments.
For scenarios where passenger has a no-show, Trade Partner may contact Qatar Airways Call Center for further assistance on servicing.
Refunds shall be processed as per normal practice to the respective Form of Payment used at the time of sales and as per the applicable Fare rules and Qatar Airways Policies/Procedures
Please check the "ATC_REFUND_ELIGIBILITY" value TRUE Or FALSE in OrderRetrieveRS or OrderReshop messages.
Please check the "ATC_EXCHANGE_ELIGIBILITY" value TRUE Or FALSE in OrderRetrieveRS, OrderReshop messages.
Yes, it is possible. The cancellation will apply for all the passengers in the booking.
1st level of support is the Seller’s/Trade Partner’s aggregator platform provider. Qatar Airways NDC team is the 2nd level of support if the servicing needs to be escalated by agent’s chosen aggregator.
Depending on the connectivity method, the Trade Partner shall contact either the NDC technology provider or the aggregator (Oryx Link) they are connecting through. Alternatively Qatar Airways’ NDC team (email OryxConnect@qatarairways.com.qa) can be contacted.