The Lufthansa Group is expanding its Lufthansa Open API (= Application Programming Interface) to include the direct booking of flights. External developers can now integrate the sale of airline tickets into their own websites and applications using the open programming interface, specifically designed for startups. Developers have controlled access to the data at developer.lufthansa.com
- Lufthansa Group extends its Open API with booking functionality, strengthening its direct digital sales channel
- External programmers from startup ecosystem get direct access to the airline’s online ticketing
- The new booking functionality is now available for the UK market
By providing access to the airline’s booking functionality via the Lufthansa Open API, Lufthansa seeks to facilitate new ways of travel planning. Customers are thus presented flights in a context-relevant and seamless manner. Trade fair organizers, event ticket portals or conferences, for example, can now integrate flight search, selection, and ticketing into their own web or app offers along with their own services. For travelers, this reduces and simplifies the trip-planning effort.
One possible application: Travelers receive offers for event tickets and flights via a platform, where they may also complete their booking. Potential partners for the implementation of the first applications include any companies that can enhance their own online offer through Lufthansa flights.
« With the integration of the booking functionality into the Lufthansa Open API, we have opened a new field of experimentation for startups. We hope to inspire ideas for numerous innovative and context-based travel offers and look forward to our first partners for implementing such solutions, » said Reinhard Lanegger, Senior Venture Development Manager Lufthansa Innovation Hub and Project Lead Lufthansa Open API.
The booking functionality is now available for Lufthansa flights from the UK. The goal is to gradually offer it to other markets.
There is also news for travel agency partners, travel technology providers, and corporate clients: In May, Lufthansa Group launched the NDC Partner Programme, which provides partners with technological advantages, unique services and offers, as well as strategic cooperation opportunities.
