FCM Travel Solutions has established a global airline distribution team to spearhead industry collaboration between technology and global distribution providers, travel management companies and airlines in developing solutions to book and service NDC content.

Appointed to lead the team is Jason Toothman, executive general manager, global air distribution for FCM-parent company Flight Centre Travel Group, based in the USA.

He joins from Sabre Travel Network where his extensive 15-year career spanned diverse senior sales, account management and airline distribution roles.

At Flight Centre he will work closely with airline suppliers and third-party technology providers across multiple markets to help frame and execute the company’s strategy and direction related to airline connectivity and content procurement globally.

Also on the new team is Nicola Ping who has been appointed as manager, air content and distribution, Flight Centre Travel Group, EMEA, based in London. 

She joins from British Airways where she has held the role of manager of distribution technology since 2015 working closely with IATA to build the airline’s internal NDC technology offering.

In addition, the team includes Jason Nooning, general manager, global air distribution, based in Brisbane, Australia. 

He has held this role for the past year, representing Flight Centre Travel Group at key industry forums including IATA’s Passenger Distribution Management Group Advisory Forum and Business Travel Summit. 

Additionally, Nooning has been actively engaging with stakeholders around the world to discuss and define partnership strategies which capitalise on the capabilities of NDC.

Marcus Eklund, global general manager, FCM Travel Solutions, commented: “One of the biggest factors influencing corporate travel in 2019 will be distribution as NDC content becomes more of a reality.

“Our goal has always been to balance the short-term priorities of NDC with building a long-term sustainable booking solution with our technology partners, including Amadeus and Sabre, in collaboration with our key airline suppliers.”