Air Canada Takes Agents Along On Its NDC Journey [Video]

Q: What is NDC and why is it the future?

A: Until recently, the only way airlines could distribute our product to travel agents was through the GDS’ text-based interface, which uses what’s called an Edifact (*) standard.

As we all know, GDS Edifact is old technology – it was developed more than 35 years ago – and is limited to displaying basic information, such as seat availability and price.

NDC technology is a completely new and modern standard. It’s built using XML computer language – the same language used by e-commerce giants such as Amazon.

It allows airlines to better showcase and merchandise a broader range of product and it enables agents to provide a more personalised travel experience.

Ultimately, NDC gives travel agents access to the same rich content that airlines are already making available direct to consumers via airline websites and apps.

It can also be booked with just …