A connecting duct for providing a fluid pathway between an outlet of a low pressure compressor and an inlet of a high pressure compressor is provided. The connecting duct includes a main body that defines a fluid pathway adapted to direct a flow of fluid between a main body inlet and a main body outlet. The main body also includes a diffusing section that decreases a velocity of the flow of fluid. A flow de-swirling section is disposed between the diffusing section and the outlet of the main body. The flow de-swirling section straightens the flow of fluid.