Air Canada's adoption of New Distribution Capability (NDC) has presented an opportunity for Canadian travel agents to enhance their booking capabilities and access a broader range of fare and product content. Transitioning to NDC seamlessly requires understanding the benefits and available options. In this blog post, we'll explore the top ways Canadian travel agents can make a smooth transition to NDC and provide an overview of BNW Agent Connect as an ideal solution for bridging the gap between SABRE and NDC.
Understanding the Importance of NDC
NDC technology offers travel agents access to a wider range of fare options, ancillary services, and personalized offers from airlines. Embracing NDC allows travel agents to enhance their customers' booking experience and take advantage of the evolving airline distribution landscape. With NDC, travel agents can provide more tailored and efficient booking services, delivering increased value to their clients.
Air Canada's NDC Program
Air Canada is committed to providing a competitive alternative to legacy distribution channels. Through its NDC program, Air Canada offers travel agents access to a comprehensive inventory, fares, ancillary services, ticketing, and digital products. To facilitate a seamless transition, Air Canada has outlined four ways travel agencies can access their NDC content:
- BUILD: Agencies can integrate Air Canada's NDC API into their existing systems, providing content flexibility and 24/7 monitoring and support.
- BUY: Travel agencies can collaborate with technology partners to gain access to a wide range of functionality and technical options.
- FREE: Air Canada Connex, the airline's free web-based tool, offers agents direct and free access to NDC content from their desktop.
- GDS: Air Canada has expanded its partnership with Amadeus to enable access to NDC-sourced content through the Amadeus Travel Platform. The Altéa NDC solution facilitates personalized and tailored offers for enhanced travel retail experiences.
The Role of BNW Agent Connect
For Canadian travel agents seeking a smooth transition between SABRE and NDC, BNW Agent Connect is an ideal solution. This innovative platform provides search results from both providers, allowing travel agents to seamlessly access a wide range of content. By leveraging BNW Agent Connect, travel agents can effectively manage their bookings, earn commissions, and optimize their business performance. The platform streamlines the booking process, ensuring a seamless transition to NDC while maintaining the agent's familiarity with SABRE.
Support and Resources
Air Canada is committed to supporting travel agents throughout their transition to NDC. They have created an NDC hub at aircanada.com/ndc, offering up-to-date program information. Travel agents can participate in webinars and training sessions to enhance their understanding of NDC. Additionally, Air Canada has been conducting extensive discussions and Q&A sessions with their travel advisor committee to address agents' concerns and provide valuable insights.
Conclusion
Transitioning to NDC presents an opportunity for Canadian travel agents to unlock a broader range of fare options and personalized offers. Air Canada's NDC program offers access to enhanced content, and BNW Agent Connect serves as a seamless solution for bridging the gap between SABRE and NDC. By embracing NDC and leveraging the right tools and resources, Canadian travel agents can enhance their booking capabilities and provide exceptional travel experiences for their clients.
Looking for a new solution? BNW Agent Connect makes the transition to NDC seamless. Our innovative platform provides search results from both SABRE and NDC, empowering travel agents to access a comprehensive range of content and deliver exceptional booking experiences. Explore the possibilities with BNW Agent Connect and take your travel agency to new heights. Learn more
