Explera DMC Japan expects JAL's NDC sales through Amadeus to change how agencies book individual JAL fares, not how groups are handled. Sales began in Japan on 1 October 2026 and open overseas from 13 October across 26 countries and regions. Group air still goes through airline group desks, and we plan the ground around confirmed flights.
Japan Airlines and Amadeus announced on 24 September 2026 that travel agencies using the Amadeus Travel Platform in 26 countries and regions will be able, step by step, to sell JAL Group international tickets through NDC. The joint release calls this a first for a Japanese airline. Travel Voice reported the start dates: 1 October 2026 in Japan and 13 October 2026 overseas. Because the rollout is gradual, agencies in each market may get access at different times. For agents who sell Japan, here is what it means in practice.
What is NDC?
NDC (New Distribution Capability) is an airline-distribution standard that lets airlines send richer content directly to agency systems: fare families, bundles, seat choices and extras, rather than only the fares traditional channels display. For an agency, the promise is more of an airline's real product in one screen. JAL has used Amadeus NDC technology since 2020, and it has set up a dedicated website for agencies with details of its NDC sales and connectivity partners.
What does it mean for agencies?
- Check your connection. Access depends on your agency's Amadeus set-up and market, and some markets start later than others. Ask your Amadeus representative or consolidator.
- Compare offers. NDC content can differ from what a traditional channel shows, so compare before you quote Japan flights to a client.
- Servicing. Changes and refunds on NDC bookings follow airline rules and the agency's system; confirm how your tools handle them.
What does not change for groups?
NDC is mainly about individual fares. Groups of ten or more usually go through airline group desks and negotiated fares, with their own deposit, naming and rooming-list timing. A DMC can request and hold seats and coordinate arrival details for the ground programme, but air tickets are issued by your agency or its consolidator, not by us. See our group air ticketing guide.
How should you plan the ground side?
- Arrival times. Fix flights before we fix first-day transfers and hotel check-in; see our airport transfer guide.
- Fuel surcharges. Airline fare components change over time; see our fuel surcharges guide.
- Secondary gateways. New routes into smaller airports can shorten transfers; see our secondary gateways guide.
Sources: Japan Airlines and Amadeus joint press release, 24 September 2026 and Travel Voice report, 1 October 2026.
FAQ
Is JAL's NDC available to my agency now? It depends on your market and Amadeus set-up. Sales began in Japan on 1 October 2026 and overseas from 13 October 2026, and the rollout across the 26 countries and regions is gradual.
Does NDC change group bookings? Not directly. Groups of ten or more generally still go through airline group desks and negotiated fares; ask your airline contact.
Does Explera issue air tickets? No. We request and hold air for programmes, and your agency or its consolidator issues the tickets.
Do JAL NDC fares cost more or less than other fares? It varies by route and date. NDC can show fare families and extras that traditional channels do not, so compare both before quoting a client.
Planning Japan ground arrangements around JAL flights? Write to b2b@explera.jp, message the trade desk on WhatsApp at +66 93 656 8090, or register on the B2B portal. Proposals within 24 hours. IATA TIDS 96215733, ASTA member 900408341.
