The Lufthansa Group airlines and Expedia Group partner to deliver the shared goal of helping more travelers access the best possible air travel options with Lufthansa, SWISS and Austrian Airlines on Expedia Group sites.
The new multi-year cooperation establishes greater technological collaboration between the companies thanks to an industry-leading Direct NDC API connection.
Beginning in June 2019 Expedia Group will enable its leisure travelers located in Lufthansa Group airlines’ European markets to benefit from the attractive offers of the Lufthansa Group airlines’ NDC Partner Program. This includes the “NDC Smart Offer”: Lufthansa Group airlines’ most competitive fares. The two companies will work together in expanding these offerings globally, including the North American market throughout 2019 and 2020.
Expedia Group joining Lufthansa Group airlines’ NDC Partner Program is only the first step in offering travelers the best possible options that deliver unmatched value for customers. The companies will jointly develop customer-centric technology to provide travelers greater access to even more special offers and ancillary services. The two sides are also hard at work developing the necessary connections so that the same air travel options are available for Egencia business travelers.
“With our combined technology, the Lufthansa Group network and Expedia Group’s global reach, we strongly believe in our joint ability to enhance the traveler shopping experience across Europe, Asia and North America”, says Heike Birlenbach, Senior Vice President Sales Lufthansa Hub Airlines and Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) Hub Frankfurt.
Greg Schulze, Senior Vice President at Expedia Group emphasizes: “Delivering customer-centric travel options via the power of technology is core to our strategy, as we bring the world within reach for millions of travelers. Expedia Group started online travel more than two decades ago, and we continue to lead the industry with significant investments in air technology for our customers and partners. We’re thrilled to be on the leading edge working alongside Lufthansa Group airlines to create scalable NDC solutions that prioritize both traveler and airline needs.”
