Air Canada is set to revolutionize the air travel industry by integrating NDC content within Sabre, one of the leading Global Distribution Systems (GDS). This strategic move aims to enhance the booking experience for travelers and travel agencies alike. The airline has already successfully implemented an NDC strategy that incentivizes NDC bookings while imposing surcharges on legacy GDS bookings.
In a bold step towards modernization, Air Canada has decided to eliminate the surcharge on legacy bookings for all but the lowest fare classes in each cabin. Previously, a surcharge ranging from $21.50 to $24.50 applied to legacy bookings made through GDS platforms like Amadeus, Travelport, and Sabre. However, this surcharge will now only be applicable to specific fare buckets (G, K, A, and P). This move is expected to encourage more travel agencies to embrace NDC technology for booking Air Canada flights.
The upcoming integration of NDC content within Sabre marks a significant milestone in Air Canada’s distribution strategy. While Amadeus is currently the only major GDS offering NDC-enabled Air Canada bookings, the airline is working towards finalizing a similar agreement with Travelport. Additionally, travel advisors can access Air Canada’s NDC content through direct connects, specialized NDC aggregators, and the airline’s Connex desktop system. This multi-channel distribution approach aims to provide greater flexibility and accessibility for travel agency partners.
To further enhance the customer experience, Air Canada plans to introduce dynamic fares later this year. These fares are continuously generated, offering pricing options that go beyond the limitations of legacy GDS technology. By expanding the range of available fare options, Air Canada aims to cater to the diverse needs of travelers and offer competitive pricing in the market. Additionally, the airline will extend its risk-free refund period to 48 hours for NDC bookings, providing customers with greater flexibility and peace of mind.
Looking ahead, Air Canada has ambitious plans to enhance its NDC platform with a range of servicing improvements. These enhancements will include improved support for disrupted customers, new features for handling involuntary changes, the ability to apply unused tickets for future travel, and more payment options for international markets. By focusing on continuous innovation and customer-centric solutions, Air Canada is poised to set new standards in the air travel industry and deliver an exceptional booking experience for travelers worldwide.