Marta Alves
A presentation by Marta Alve addressed TAP Air Portugal’s strategy regarding New Distribution Capability (NDC), positioning it as a tool to offer a better product range rather than a threat to the travel trade. The airline stated it has no intention of sidelining agents, acknowledging the mutual dependency in the distribution chain where each party accesses the other’s customer base. TAP revealed it is investing heavily in NDC development, with plans to enable long-haul fare access for tour operators via NDC in the first quarter of 2026.
Marta Alves of TAP Air Portugal told the annual conference of the Irish Travel Agents Association in Alcobaca in Portugal that agents can connect to its NDC content through three primary methods: a direct API for larger agencies, a white-label platform for smaller agencies, and via major Global Distribution Systems (GDS). She noted that 60pc of its indirect business comes from travel agents, a segment it cannot service alone, and that its sales teams remain in place to support agents in adopting the new technology.
Alves addressed past industry tensions, acknowledging a previous period where TAP withdrew certain content from GDSs to compete with low-cost carriers but stated this policy has now reversed to a “full circle” approach. With NDC, the airline aims to provide full content parity across all channels. She clarified that its commercial target is not to favour one channel over another but to remove channel-specific habits and offer consistent, value-driven pricing.
On commercial benefits, the speaker explained that NDC allows TAP to merchandise ancillaries like bags, Wi-Fi, and seat selection more effectively. It also enables the creation of special promotional fares exclusive to the NDC channel. The airline confirmed it will maintain commission payments on NDC bookings, aligning with its traditional agency model. The development timeline includes working towards offering full interline capabilities via NDC in the future.
Alves concluded by reinforcing the need for collaboration, stating that airlines and agents must work together to navigate modern airline retailing. She urged agents to utilise the available tools and support to access the enhanced product set, framing NDC as an evolution that provides additional choice and capability for the trade rather than a disruptive force aimed at bypassing it.
Marta Alves shared: “From an airline perspective… it’s absolutely not taking away [from agents]. It’s offering tools to be able to offer a better airline product.”
“We are not trying to do anything against [agents]. The customers are there, and we are working together… we need you and you always need us.”
“The evolution of removing content and now having full spectrum of content through these new creations is the full circle.”
