We are introducing the next steps towards modern distribution
*** There are updates to the topic, please see the latest article behind this link. ***
The journey towards enhanced retailing continues and we are introducing the next steps towards a more dynamic, customer-centric selling through modern distribution channels.
Starting early 2023, we will gradually implement continuous pricing in modern distribution channels – through Finnair.com and Finnair mobile App as well as NDC-enabled channels for agent partners. Through continuous pricing, customers will not experience large price increases between booking classes as pricing is not tied to the 26 legacy price points. This results in more competitive pricing in modern channels compared to offers through legacy EDIFACT.
In addition, to further accelerate the technology transformation, we will be removing Finnish domestic itineraries from EDIFACT distribution starting 1st of May 2023. Domestic Finland travel, i.e. flight itineraries that both start and end in Finland, will from May onwards be available to customers when purchased on Finnair’s own channels and via NDC enabled travel agents. Travel agents can utilize Finnair NDC distribution via any of the possible channels: Finnair Agency Sales Tool – FAST, certified Finnair NDC Aggregators and NDC Direct Connect API. This change does not impact travel starting in Finland and ending in another country or travel starting outside of Finland and ending in Finland.
The moves now being introduced are logical steps on our journey towards modernised distribution. In September 2021, we announced our ambitious target to be fully in modern digital distribution by end of 2025, phasing out legacy EDIFACT content. In December 2022, we announced a long-term IT investment to strengthen retailing capabilities through modern offer and order management. Over the course of 2022, we also introduced EDIFACT surcharge for itineraries commencing in Europe as well as several markets in Asia (travel starting in Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Thailand and offline markets) and Middle East (travel starting in Israel, Qatar and United Arab Emirates). Additionally, we removed Finnair Light fare brand from EDIFACT.
Having invested in direct channels and NDC (New Distribution Capability) for years, we aspire to transition to modern digital distribution enabling customers to choose relevant services for their travel according to their needs and preferences. We encourage travel agents to get familiar with NDC and ways to get connected. More information can be found on Easy’s NDC section.
Please see below for the Frequently Asked Questions we have collected on both Finland domestic traffic removal from Edifact distribution and continuous pricing.
What are the routes affected by removal of Finnair domestic travel content from Edifact distribution starting 1st of May 2023?
All AY coded and operated itineraries that both start and end within Finland. For instance, HEL-OUL, TKU-HEL-RVN, KTT-HEL-TMP are all included in scope. For instance, OUL-HEL-BER, SHA-HEL-RVN are out of scope, since they either start or end outside of Finland.
What are the markets affected by removal of Finnair domestic travel content from Edifact distribution starting 1st of May 2023?
Point of sale market is not relevant, all agents selling above mentioned domestic routes are impacted.
Will all the fares be removed from Edifact?
All published and private fares are in scope and will be removed from Edifact.
Can ancillaries be still sold via Edifact?
Ancillary products will remain in Edifact distribution and they can be added to existing bookings also after 1st of May 2023.
Are group bookings impacted?
Finnair group bookings in booking class G are out of scope of this change.
How can customers get access to Finnair domestic traffic content after 1st May 2023?
Finnair domestic traffic content will be available on Finnair own channels and through travel agents enabled by any of the NDC enabled sales outlets (NDC Direct connect, Finnair Agency Tool FAST, certified Finnair NDC aggregators) and Finnair Group Booking Tool (for group bookings in booking class G).
Will availability be still visible in the GDS, even though the fares are not?
Yes. Availability remains visible to ensure smooth handling of international bookings with domestic connections. Finnair policies continue to apply and manual pricing against Finnair policies is not allowed.
What happens to Finnair domestic traffic bookings that have been ticketed via Edifact prior to 1st May 2023?
They continue to exist and are valid for travel, regardless of travel date. Such bookings remain available and travel agents will be able to retrieve them in the chosen GDS. Cancellation and exchanges are possible but automatic repricing is not available. Therefore, additional changes need to be made via Finnair Agent Help Desk.
What happens to unticketed flight bookings that have been created in Edifact?
If not ticketed on the same day, the itinerary should be repriced and ticketing should be completed latest 30th April 2023.
How can existing ticketed bookings made via Edifact be exchanged after 1st of May 2023?
Changes to existing bookings after 1st May 2023 will be possible by contacting Finnair Agent Help Desk. Payment is possible by credit card only (via payment link, which is valid for 5 hours if servicing is done via Agent Help Desk). BSP cash option is not available.
How to process cancellations and refunds after 1st of May 2023 on those itineraries that have been created in Edifact?
Cancellation and refund of the bookings remains possible in Edifact. In case refund via GDS Edifact cannot be done, BSP Travel Agents can send refund requests via BSPlink Refund Application (RA). Refunds are paid to original form of payment, the same which is used when flight document was issued originally.
In the US market, in case refund via GDS Edifact cannot be done, ARC Travel Agents can apply for refund via Refund Web-form on Finnair internet site. The WEB-form refund request must include additional information “ARC Agent, GDS refund not possible”. Refunds are paid to original form of payment: 1) When flight document is originally paid with credit card, refund will be processed to same credit card, 2) When flight document is originally paid with Cash (ARC settlement), refund will be processed as Credit Memo (ACM) for the agent.
Flight disruptions
In the disruption situations (flight cancelled or changed) such statuses (HX, UC, UN) will be reflected in existing bookings. If there’s a passenger contact in the booking (SSR CTCM or SSR CTCE), the passenger will also be notified of the disruption via SMS/e-mail. Please make sure that customers’ contact information on bookings are up to date. Finnair will automatically update the new flight details to the reservation and update the ticket. If the customer does not accept the change, an additional involuntary change is available in the GDS when no repricing is required.
Will continuous pricing apply to fares in Edifact distribution?
No. With this change Finnair will implement continuous pricing in modern distribution channels (.com and NDC). It means that prices in Edifact distribution and digital distribution channels can be different.
What will happen to ticket prices with continuous pricing? Which routes are in scope?
Through continuous pricing, customers will not experience large price increases between booking classes as pricing is not tied to the 26 legacy price points. This is a first step to the future where there are no booking classes. The change will not be seen on all routes and it will be implemented gradually. Apart for prices being more granular, there are no other changes for the customer.