Navan upgrades Singapore Airlines NDC to direct connection
Navan upgrades its Singapore Airlines integration to a direct NDC connection via Amadeus Altéa 21.3 API, unlocking exclusive fares and avoiding EDIFACT fees. With over 70% of SIA bookings now on NDC, the move enhances traveler experience and aligns with Navan's expanding portfolio of direct airline partnerships.

*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
Navan (NASDAQ: NAVN) has upgraded its partnership with Singapore Airlines by establishing a direct Next-Generation Distribution Capability (NDC) connection, leveraging the carrier’s Amadeus Altéa NDC 21.3 API. This technical enhancement allows Navan’s corporate clients to access exclusive fares, dynamic pricing, and richer ancillary content that are not available through traditional EDIFACT channels. The shift is significant as over 70% of Singapore Airlines bookings are now processed through the NDC channel, signaling a major industry move toward modernized distribution standards.
The direct integration replaces legacy connectivity methods, providing a more robust foundation for troubleshooting and future API enhancements. By bypassing older systems, Navan aims to deliver a more consistent shopping and servicing experience. This upgrade is part of Navan’s broader strategy to expand its portfolio of direct next-generation NDC connections, which already includes partnerships with SAS, Qantas, ITA Airways, and Emirates, alongside a recent servicing upgrade with Lufthansa Group to NDC 24.1.
Key Benefits of Direct NDC Integration
The direct connection enables several material improvements for business travelers and finance teams:
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Exclusive Fares | Access to NDC-exclusive corporate and private fares, including dynamically priced offers |
| Cost Efficiency | Avoidance of EDIFACT distribution fees in markets where Singapore Airlines applies them |
| Ancillary Content | Customized fare bundles, advance seat selection, and prepaid excess baggage |
| Servicing Speed | Faster processing for booking changes, cancellations, and refunds |
"Singapore Airlines is a critical partner in connecting business travelers across Asia Pacific with the rest of the world," said Dane Molter, SVP, Group Travel Marketplace at Navan. "This direct NDC connection will enable us to bring the airline’s rich content into Navan and deliver a better experience for travelers that raises the bar for airline retailing."
Strategic Impact on Travel Distribution
The collaboration underscores a growing trend in the travel technology sector toward direct API integrations that offer greater transparency and control over fare components. For Singapore Airlines, this expansion supports its commitment to enhancing NDC content reach globally. Gan Cai Fong, General Manager of Distribution at Singapore Airlines, stated, "Navan’s continued investment in NDC will help deliver a seamless and comprehensive shopping, booking and servicing experience for customers."
What the Numbers Show
The fact that over 70% of Singapore Airlines bookings now flow through the NDC channel highlights a decisive shift in distribution preference. This high adoption rate suggests that corporate travelers increasingly value the transparency and flexibility offered by NDC over legacy systems. For Navan, maintaining a direct connection ensures it remains competitive in accessing these preferred booking channels, potentially reducing costs for clients in fee-heavy markets while improving operational efficiency through faster servicing capabilities.
How might the elimination of EDIFACT distribution fees in key markets impact Navan's gross margins and pricing competitiveness against legacy travel agencies?
Will other major Asian carriers accelerate their NDC adoption timelines to match Singapore Airlines' 70% booking threshold, and how will this affect Navan's integration roadmap?
What are the potential risks or technical challenges Navan faces in maintaining direct API connections across its expanding portfolio of airline partners like Lufthansa and Emirates?

































