Travel tech firm Sabre and Air Canada are forming a new distribution partnership which will include the carrier’s upcoming NDC-enabled fares.
The agreement between the two companies comes as Air Canada expects to launch its NDC content in the “coming months” with the help of Sabre.
When Air Canada’s NDC connection with Sabre goes live, the airline’s distribution cost recovery charge, which is due to be introduced this week, will be waived for agencies and TMCs connected via Sabre’s channels.
Mark Nasr, executive vice president, marketing and digital, at Air Canada, said: “We’re proud to be taking this next step with Sabre, providing the broadest range of rich Air Canada content, travel options and services to our customers and agency partners.
“This new partnership is the result of long-standing discussions, and it marks a significant next step towards delivering on Air Canada’s distribution promise: a smooth transition for agencies and travel buyers - both larger and smaller.”
Roshan Mendis, chief commercial officer at Sabre Travel Solutions, added: “NDC is a corporate priority for Sabre as an enabler of modern retailing.
“We share this vision with Air Canada and support its ambitious retailing and distribution goals, while ensuring agencies will benefit from the ample choice, efficiency and transparency of the Sabre Travel Marketplace.”
Meanwhile, Sabre has now made NDC content from Aeromexico available through its GDS, as the Mexican carrier starts rolling out its NDC offers in “waves” – starting in its home market.
Rastislav Martos, senior vice president of administration and revenue distribution at Aeromexico, said: “Our collaboration has been very productive for both companies, and the launch of NDC through GDS capability is another example of the great work both teams have done to improve the customer experience and increase premium revenue.”