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Airline NDC guide · AC

Air Canada NDC: how agencies and developers access Air Canada content

The NDC programme, the distribution cost recovery fee on EDIFACT tickets, NDC in all three GDSs, and the ways to connect.

By the Tripgic team · Last updated

What is Air Canada NDC?

Air Canada NDC is the airline’s IATA New Distribution Capability programme for travel sellers, launched on 14 June 2023. It adds content such as domestic Basic fares and discounted seat ancillaries to NDC channels, while tickets issued through GDS EDIFACT channels can carry a distribution cost recovery (DCR) fee.

Air Canada launched its NDC programme in June 2023 alongside a distribution cost recovery fee on tickets issued through GDS EDIFACT channels. Rather than removing fares from EDIFACT, it added content to NDC. Its NDC content is now offered through Amadeus, Sabre and Travelport+, as well as direct connections and technology providers. See our plain-English guide to NDC for the standard itself.

Air Canada NDC timeline: key dates

DateWhat changedSource
Apr 2023Air Canada says it will make its full range of NDC content available through the Amadeus Travel Platform, its first NDC content in a GDS.source
Apr 2023Air Canada announces its NDC programme and a distribution cost recovery charge on tickets issued through GDS EDIFACT channels from 14 June 2023; NDC bookings, including NDC in a GDS, are exempt.source
Oct 2023Air Canada renews and expands its Travelport agreement to cover NDC content and servicing on Travelport+; NDC bookings there will be exempt from the EDIFACT fee.source
Jun 2024After its first year of NDC, Air Canada limits the DCR to the lowest fare in each cabin and reports over 600 agencies booking via NDC.source
Jul 2024Sabre launches Air Canada’s full NDC content in 20 markets; the US$20–30 EDIFACT fee is waived for Sabre agencies booking through the NDC path.source
Oct 2025Air Canada launches its full NDC content on Travelport+ in Canada, the US and an initial set of other markets.source

Air Canada publishes its NDC programme information for travel sellers on its NDC hub. Air Canada — NDC hub for travel sellers.

Ways to access Air Canada content

You can connect to Air Canada directly through its NDC API, through a GDS, or through an aggregator.

Air Canada NDC (direct)GDSAggregator (Tripgic)
Best forAgencies that want Air Canada’s full NDC content and to avoid the EDIFACT feeAgencies already working in a GDSOTAs, B2B platforms and startups that want REST/JSON
What you buildAir Canada’s NDC API, or a certified NDC technology providerEDIFACT (DCR fee may apply) or the GDS’s Air Canada NDC pathOne REST API; Air Canada fares blended with GDS, NDC and LCC content
Airline changesYou track Air Canada’s NDC releasesHandled by the GDSHandled in Tripgic’s connector; your JSON stays the same
Other airlinesAir Canada onlyFull GDS contentOther NDC airlines, 3 GDS networks and 67 LCCs

Official Air Canada agent portal and access

The airline’s own starting point is Air Canada — NDC hub for travel sellers. Travel agencies use it to read the airline’s agent policies and distribution rules and to contact the airline about access. Access is granted by the airline itself, usually only to accredited agencies, and a direct connection still needs your own integration.

Tripgic returns Air Canada fares alongside GDS, NDC and low-cost content in one REST API, so you can sell Air Canada without a separate airline connection. See the flight booking API.

Also searched as: AC NDC, Air Canada NDC program, Air Canada DCR.

Air Canada NDC vs GDS (EDIFACT) bookings

How NDC differs from the GDS in general: NDC vs traditional GDS.

Frequently asked questions

What is Air Canada NDC?

It is Air Canada’s NDC programme for travel sellers, launched on 14 June 2023. It adds content such as domestic Basic fares and discounted seat ancillaries to NDC connections.

Does Air Canada charge a fee on GDS bookings?

Yes. Tickets issued through GDS EDIFACT channels can carry a distribution cost recovery fee, reported at US$20–30 per ticket. Since June 2024 it applies only to the lowest fare in each cabin, and NDC bookings, including NDC through a GDS, are exempt.

Is Air Canada NDC available in a GDS?

Yes. Air Canada NDC content is available through Amadeus, through Sabre (launched July 2024 in 20 markets) and through Travelport+ (launched October 2025).

How do agents connect to Air Canada NDC?

Agents can build their own connection, use a third-party technology provider, use Air Canada’s Connex portal, or book NDC content through a GDS. Air Canada’s NDC hub has programme details for travel sellers.

How do I access Air Canada through Tripgic?

Air Canada is available through Tripgic. You integrate one REST API with sandbox credentials, and Air Canada fares come back blended with GDS, NDC and low-cost carrier content in the same normalized JSON.

Sources

Other airline NDC guides

Related

Sell Air Canada fares through one API

Air Canada fares alongside GDS, NDC and LCC content in one normalized REST API. Sandbox credentials at no charge.

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