As air distribution becomes more complex, travel agents need tools that simplify the process. With NDC, global connectivity, and built-in safeguards, Hahnair is helping agents access more content, book with confidence, and serve travellers better. In this conversation with Travel Turtle, Bharat Kapoor, Regional VP – Agency Distribution, Hahnair, shares how the company is shaping the future of agency distribution.
Sudipta Saha
How do you foresee the travel distribution ecosystem evolving in the next 2–3 years?
In the coming years, we expect the travel distribution ecosystem to become even more dynamic. Travellers are more demanding, new players are entering the market, and rich travel content is becoming more widely available via NDC. This creates huge opportunities for travel agents to stand out by guiding customers through an increasingly complex landscape. At Hahnair, we understand that adopting new technologies like NDC requires time and resources, which is why we launched Distriply by Hahnair, our new brand for innovative NDC solutions. The first product, Distriply One, is already live in the US and Italy, providing agents with easy access to NDC content without upfront investment or complex integration, while offering strong servicing features for refunds, rebookings, and changes. Indian agents can already sign up to our priority list at Distriply.com/registration to be the first to access Distriply One when it launches locally.
What role will technology and data-driven insights play in transforming agency distribution?
Technology and data will be at the heart of how agency distribution evolves. With NDC, agents can access richer, more personalised content, complete with ancillaries and branded fares, to meet individual traveller needs. Data-driven insights allow agencies to understand customer trends, forecast demand, and curate offers that are both relevant and competitive. At Hahnair, our Distriply brand embodies this shift by combining advanced NDC capabilities with simplified access, so even smaller agencies can compete effectively.
What impact does Hahnair’s global GDS connectivity have on expanding route options and inventory availability for Indian travel agents and travellers?
Finding regional connections or ticketing certain airlines can be challenging for agents, especially when carriers aren’t in their BSP or even don’t have a GDS presence. Hahnair solves this problem through its global network of over 350 partner airlines, all available for ticketing on an HR-169 document in all major GDSs. This unlocks access to tens of thousands of routes and millions of flights, including over 100 carriers under the X1 and H1 codes that may not be available in a standard GDS. For Indian agents, this means greater choice, faster booking, and the ability to serve clients needing off-the-beaten-track destinations without resorting to manual workarounds. With no extra training required, agents can simply choose Hahnair (HR) as the validating carrier within their usual process. Essentially, we turn what could be a time-consuming search into a smooth, reliable experience for both agents and travellers.
With Hahnair offering free and comprehensive reimbursement in case of an operating carrier’s insolvency, how significant is this security feature for both agencies and travellers, particularly in volatile market conditions?
Our free insolvency protection Securtix®, included automatically with every HR-169 ticket, offers peace of mind in today’s volatile travel market. In the rare event of an operating airline’s insolvency, Securtix® guarantees a refund of the unused portion of the ticket. In addition, we support stranded passengers by covering meals and accommodation. For agencies, this is a powerful selling point, especially when booking unfamiliar regional carriers. For travellers, it’s reassurance that their trip and investment is protected. Introduced in 2010, more than 57 million insolvency-safe HR-169 tickets have been issued to date.
The HR-169 ticket provides benefits such as a 14-day refund policy, one ADM-waiver per rolling year, and 24/7 service desk support. How do these value-added services enhance trust and operational efficiency for travel consultants?
We aim to make life easier for agents, and our HR-169 ticket is designed with that in mind. With our fast, free 14-day refund policy, agents can respond fast to their clients ’refund claims. One ADM-waiver per rolling year for registered agents adds flexibility and security, while our 24/7 Service Desk, including the dedicated Indian desk, ensures help is always at hand for ticketing queries. Our partnership with Travesla in India further offers personalised training, presentations, and guidance. Complementing this support, agents have access to the Hahnair Knowledge Centre, webinars, tutorials, and newsletters to make the most of our services. By combining strong operational support with financial safeguards, we build trust and efficiency into every interaction, ensuring agencies can deliver exceptional customer service while staying productive and profitable.
