Singapore Airlines and Navan Launch Direct NDC Technology Connection

Partnering to introduce a direct New Distribution Capability connection, Singapore Airlines and Navan are reshaping corporate travel retailing, with over 70% of the carrier's corporate bookings through the platform already processed via NDC channels.

The updated technology connection links the global business travel and expense platform directly with the carrier through the Amadeus Altéa NDC 21.3 API. This direct integration bypasses traditional legacy distribution channels, allowing corporate clients to access richer airline content, dynamically priced corporate fares, and detailed post-booking servicing. Under the new system, corporate travel desks can access eligible private fare structures and avoid EDIFACT-based distribution surcharges, optimizing travel management budgets for businesses. Over 70% of Singapore Airlines’ corporate bookings distributed through Navan already utilize the NDC channel, which validates the rapid market shift toward API-based distribution networks.

The Core Transit Update: Modern Retailing via Direct APIs

The integration represents a major transition toward next-generation airline retailing, where carriers can offer tailored flight bundles and additional services directly to corporate systems. Historically, legacy global distribution systems restricted corporate travel desks to static fare displays and limited booking customization options. By using the carrier's latest API version, the platform provides direct access to real-time seat inventories, fare rules, and ancillary choices.

The technology is powered by the travel platform's proprietary aggregation engine, which consolidates content flows from multiple airline APIs. This architecture ensures high system reliability, faster booking times, and a consistent digital shopping experience. By eliminating intermediary processing layers, the direct connection enables faster updates and support during flight disruptions.

Technical Architecture of the Amadeus Altéa NDC 21.3 API

The transition to the Amadeus Altéa NDC 21.3 API represents a significant shift from the decades-old EDIFACT standard. EDIFACT, which stands for Electronic Data Interchange for Administration, Commerce and Transport, relies on rigid, character-based messaging structures that limit the transmission of detailed product information. In contrast, the NDC XML-based schema, established by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), supports rich media, detailed seat configurations, and customized ancillary offers.

By implementing version 21.3 of the Altéa API, the airline and the corporate travel platform can exchange data in a standardized format. This allows the airline’s reservation system to communicate directly with the platform’s front-end interface, enabling instant synchronization of flight status, baggage rules, and seat availability. The platform’s proprietary integration layers map these XML payloads to user-friendly displays, allowing corporate travelers to view cabin layouts, seat reviews, and meal options directly during the booking flow.

Dynamic Pricing and Corporate Fare Customization

A primary benefit of the direct NDC connection is the ability to leverage dynamic pricing. Traditional airline pricing relies on 26 distinct fare classes, which often creates large price jumps between tiers. Under an NDC-enabled dynamic pricing model, the airline’s revenue management systems can generate real-time fare offers that align more closely with market demand and passenger requirements.

This flexibility allows the carrier to distribute private corporate fares and custom bundle offers directly to corporate clients. For example, a business traveler can access exclusive fare categories that include pre-cleared seat selection, priority boarding, and flexible cancellation terms at a negotiated package rate. By avoiding static fare displays, companies can optimize their travel budgets, especially when managing high-volume routes between major business hubs.

Corporate Travel Technology Specifications

The direct NDC integration updates several operational parameters for business travel procurement and expense management. The following table outlines the key technical and commercial specifications of the new connection:

Technology Element	Measured Parameter / Version	System Integration Role	Primary Business Benefit
API Protocol	Amadeus Altéa NDC 21.3 API	Direct technology connection	Access to rich content and real-time seat map data
Existing Adoption Rate	Over 70% of bookings	NDC distribution channel	Pre-established traveler demand and system testing
Bypass Advantage	Avoids EDIFACT surcharge	Direct fare distribution	Cost reductions for corporate travel programs
Fare Structure	Dynamic and private fares	Custom pricing algorithms	Access to eligible corporate fare discounts
Post-Booking Servicing	Real-time digital updates	Integrated API servicing	Automated changes, cancellations, and refunds

Traveler Logistics Guide: Navigating NDC Flights and Connections

From a ground-level perspective, the best way to navigate this is to ensure that corporate travel profiles are fully updated with local digital transit identifiers, such as the Indian Digi Yatra ID or European ETIAS reference number, before finalizing bookings. Because the direct NDC link connects booking details with the carrier’s core servicing database, passenger information flows smoothly to national transit systems.

When managing flight itineraries through NDC channels, travelers should consider the following guidelines:

Allow Safe Layover Windows: For international connections via Singapore Changi Airport (SIN), schedule layovers of at least two hours to ensure baggage transfers clear automated terminal tunnels.
Select Seats at Booking: Utilize the rich content interface to select preferred seating blocks (such as extra legroom or forward cabin) directly during the initial booking flow.
Track Flight Changes Dynamically: Enable real-time push notifications on the travel app to receive gate updates, boarding alerts, and schedule changes immediately.
Pre-clear Baggage Allowances: Purchase extra baggage capacity directly within the corporate platform at the time of ticketing to secure lower pre-paid rates.

Post-Booking Servicing and Disruption Management

Business travel requires high flexibility, as flight schedules, meeting times, and itineraries frequently change at short notice. In legacy distribution environments, processing a modification, cancellation, or refund for an international booking often required manual intervention from travel agents, leading to delays and additional administrative fees.

The direct NDC connection addresses these inefficiencies by automating post-booking service functions. The integration enables real-time changes and instant refund processing directly through the travel platform's digital interface. If a flight is delayed or canceled, the platform’s AI-powered booking assistant can automatically scan alternative routes, process re-ticketing, and update corporate expense reports. This automation reduces the operational strain on corporate travel desks and ensures that business travelers receive rapid support during transit disruptions.

Navan's Expanding Global NDC Network

The partnership with Singapore Airlines is part of the travel platform's broader strategy to establish direct NDC integrations with leading global air carriers. The company has developed similar API-based relationships with airlines including Qantas, Emirates, SAS, and ITA Airways. Additionally, it has introduced servicing upgrades for Lufthansa Group by implementing the latest NDC 24.1 standard.

By expanding this unified digital ecosystem, the platform simplifies travel management for multinational corporations. Corporate travel managers can monitor global travel spend, ensure policy compliance, and manage employee duty of care through a single centralized dashboard. The standardization of these direct connections ensures that companies receive consistent data flows, regardless of the airline or geographic region in which their employees are traveling.

Infrastructure Impact Assessment and Regional Distribution

The deployment of direct API connections reduces reliance on legacy distribution hosts, shifting the aviation industry toward digital-first retail environments. This transition enables carriers to distribute customized flight packages that include lounge access, inflight Wi-Fi, and priority boarding.

By expanding direct NDC partnerships, travel platforms simplify the integration of corporate travel with corporate expense software. This streamlining helps businesses monitor travel spend, ensure policy compliance, and manage employee duty of care. The adoption of advanced API connections supports the growth of high-value business routes, particularly across the Asia-Pacific region.