MCP vs. NDC and other challenges facing airline distribution
At the Airline Distribution 2026 conference hosted by UATP, experts discussed AI's impact on the NDC standard. American Airlines and United Airlines have direct sales of 55% and 70%, respectively. Some predict AI could eliminate the need for standards, and new products like MCP could replace NDC. Look-to-book ratios have worsened due to AI, requiring a rethink of commercial constructs.
Impact and considerations
Evolution of airline distribution standards impacts GDS, TMCs, and agencies; AI could reshape the distribution landscape.
Key points
- American Airlines direct sales ~55%, United ~70%.
- AI could reduce the need for standards like NDC.
- New products like MCP and WebMCP could replace NDC.
- Look-to-book ratios worsened due to AI, requiring new commercial constructs.
- Industry likely to exist in a hybrid state over the next decade.
Sources and time
- Primary source
- PhocusWire / Phocuswright
- Other sources
- 0
- First source publication
- 17 Mar 2026, 14:00
- Page published
- 13 Aug 2026, 08:24
- Last updated
- 17 Mar 2026, 14:00
- Original links
- PhocusWire All News：MCP vs. NDC and other challenges facing airline distribution | PhocusWire (opens in a new tab)Primary source · en · Published 17 Mar 2026, 14:00