Air Canada's New Digital Strategy with Travelport's Platform
Relationship expands Airline's Digital Presence with Travelport's Subscribers
Air Canada, recognized as the largest airline in Canada, has embarked on an exciting new venture by announcing the launch of its NDC platform in collaboration with Travelport. This partnership signifies a notable enhancement of Air Canada's digital infrastructure, aiming to improve the availability of its offerings to a broad network of travel agencies via Travelport+
The integration brings with it a full range of Air Canada’s NDC content, showcasing an array of retail-ready services that travel advisors can utilize. The company is resolute in its belief that keeping travel partners engaged is crucial for ensuring exceptional service to travelers. Keith Wallis, the Managing Director of Customer Digital and Distribution at Air Canada, remarked, "Our NDC launch with Travelport marks an important milestone in Air Canada's digital transformation journey as we can now offer our best, completely retail-ready content to travel buyers."
Wallis emphasized the dedicated effort made to ensure that travel trade partners are empowered to easily search, compare, and offer personalized experiences through the NDC platform. This approach reflects not only a commitment to technology innovation but also to enhancing customer service.
In its initial rollout, this NDC content will be accessible to travel agents in several countries, including Australia, Brazil, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom, in addition to Canada and the U.S. This wide-reaching availability illustrates Air Canada’s dedication to broadening its market reach and providing seamless booking opportunities.
Travelport stands as a dynamic multi-source content provider, allowing agents using its Travelport+ platform to efficiently access and compare a vast range of Air Canada fares and services. This enhancement not only streamlines the booking process but also strengthens their ability to find optimal offers quickly. Impressively, Travelport+ boasts an industry-leading search time now at just 0.84 seconds, a 23% improvement over previous speeds. This means agents can serve their clients more efficiently, effectively growing their bookings and revenue in the process.
Damian Hickey, Global Head of Travel Partners at Travelport, underlined the significance of this partnership by stating, "Air Canada has been a great partner with Travelport, and today's launch of NDC availability affirms our shared commitment to providing travel buyers with the full range of Air Canada's rich content and ancillaries. With Travelport+, agents can leverage enhanced technology to drive revenue growth and elevate customer satisfaction."
About Travelport, it is highlighted that the company operates as a prominent global technology corporation that facilitates travel bookings for a vast network of suppliers. Their platform, Travelport+, revolutionizes the travel purchasing experience, creating simplified connections among travel brands and sellers while enhancing modern digital retailing. Operating across more than 165 countries, Travelport is committed to innovation and redefining how travel is managed and sold.
In addition to being Canada’s leading airline and flag carrier, Air Canada is a proud founding member of Star Alliance, the most extensive air transportation network globally. It serves over 180 airports, offering scheduled flights across six continents, providing a varied range of services that cater to the needs of travelers. Air Canada's Aeroplan serves as Canada’s premier loyalty program, allowing members to earn and redeem points across more than 45 airline partners alongside numerous merchandise, hotel, and car rental options.
The airline aims to provide optimal travel experiences and continues to expand its offerings through Air Canada Vacations, making it the largest tour operator in Canada. This division presents clients with diverse options for travel arrangements, including accommodations, car rentals, and tours.
Environmentally conscious, Air Canada is committed to achieving a net-zero greenhouse gas emissions goal by 2050, demonstrating a long-term dedication to sustainability in its operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Air Canada's NDC platform?
The NDC platform enhances Air Canada's digital presence, streamlining access to its full array of services for travel agents and ensuring better personalized experiences for customers.
How will travel agents benefit from this new partnership?
Agents can easily compare and book Air Canada's offerings more efficiently, thanks to the advanced search capabilities and the convenience provided by Travelport's platform.
Is Air Canada's NDC content available globally?
Initially, the NDC content is accessible in several countries, including Canada, the U.S., Australia, and many European and Asian nations.
How does Travelport+ improve the booking process?
Travelport+ features an industry-leading search speed, allowing agents to find options in just 0.84 seconds, thus improving efficiency dramatically.
What are Air Canada's environmental goals?
Air Canada is working towards a long-term goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, emphasizing its dedication to sustainable practices in the aviation industry.
