Philippine Airlines, Trip.com launch NDC-powered ticketing partnership

Philippine Airlines (PAL) has partnered with global travel platform Trip.com to launch international ticket sales powered by New Distribution Capability (NDC), offering customers more fare options and personalized services across Asia, North America, and Oceania.

The collaboration, announced Thursday in Manila, makes Trip.com the first international travel service provider to integrate PAL’s NDC content through Travelfusion, allowing users to book the same fares and services available on the airline’s website.

With NDC, customers booking PAL flights through Trip.com can now access a wider selection of fares, including discounted student tickets, and customize their travel with ancillary services such as seat selection and prepaid baggage. Post-booking services like refunds and itinerary changes are also available directly on the platform.

“The partnership between Philippine Airlines and Trip.com will provide our customers a personalized, and seamless flight booking and buying experience through NDC integration with Travelfusion,” said Justin Warby, PAL vice president for sales and distribution.

Warby added that the initiative strengthens PAL’s ability to broaden its reach. “Through partnerships, PAL will be able to expand its distribution capabilities, and offer a passenger-centric booking experience for agencies and travelers across the globe.”

The integration also enables PAL to target international students and value-conscious travelers through Trip.com’s smart segmentation tools, offering exclusive bundles and localized fare packages tailored to market demand.

“We are proud to be the first global travel service provider to enter an NDC integration partnership with Philippine Airlines in Asia Pacific,” said Kirk Wong, Trip.com regional airline director for Oceania, Southeast Asia, ISC, and the Middle East. “This partnership will enable our users to enjoy better fare options and booking experiences, leveraging our extensive network and experience to expand PAL’s reach to customers in the region and beyond.”

PAL, the Philippines’ flag carrier and Asia’s first commercial airline, currently operates nonstop flights from Manila, Cebu, Clark, and Davao to 31 domestic destinations and 38 international hubs. The airline serves overseas Filipinos, business travelers, and tourists while maintaining its hallmark of Filipino hospitality.

Trip.com, which operates in 39 countries and supports 35 local currencies, offers access to more than 1.5 million hotels and over 640 airlines worldwide. Its 24/7 multilingual service centers in Edinburgh, Tokyo, and Seoul support millions of travelers globally.

Industry analysts say the partnership underscores a growing trend in aviation distribution, as airlines adopt NDC standards to cut reliance on traditional booking systems and deliver more tailored digital experiences to passengers.

PAL and Trip.com said more exclusive NDC-powered offers and services will be rolled out in the future to enhance customer convenience and flexibility.