MONTREAL — Air Canada and Sabre have signed a new multi-year distribution agreement that will provide travel agencies with a broader range of offers from the airline.
Under the agreement, Sabre will be able to provide agencies with long-term access to Air Canada’s full content via NDC channels, including its fares and new ancillary services. Air Canada’s NDC content in Sabre is expected to be activated within the coming months.
Once Air Canada’s NDC connection to Sabre is live, the Distribution Cost Recovery previously announced by Air Canada will be waived for Sabre-connected travel agencies using this path.
“We’re proud to be taking this next step with Sabre in providing the broadest range of rich Air Canada content, travel options and services to our customers and agency partners,” said Mark Nasr, Executive Vice President, Marketing and Digital for Air Canada. “Air Canada recognizes and appreciates Sabre’s progressive approach and the significant technology investments they’re making, which taken together, will deliver meaningful value to all travel industry stakeholders. 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.”
A cornerstone of Air Canada’s distribution modernization strategy, NDC focuses on providing more personalized content as well as access to the best possible prices across channels. Improved distribution capabilities will likewise support the airline’s commercial strategy with fleet modernization and expansion plan, including investment in dozens of new, fuel-efficient Airbus A220 and A321XLR aircraft.
“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,” said Roshan Mendis, Chief Commercial Officer for Sabre Travel Solutions. “This agreement demonstrates Sabre’s deep commitment to driving value and serving the diverse interests of the global travel marketplace – airlines, travel agencies and the travelers they serve.”
