Sabre and WestJet expand their long-term distribution deal to include NDC content

Rhea-AI Summary

Sabre (NASDAQ: SABR) and WestJet have expanded their long-term distribution agreement to include New Distribution Capability (NDC) content. This multi-year renewal will provide Sabre-connected agencies access to WestJet's complete range of NDC offers and traditional content through Sabre's global distribution system.

Once implemented, travel agents will be able to shop, book, and service WestJet's NDC offers alongside EDIFACT content through Sabre's Offer and Order APIs, Sabre Red 360, and GetThere. This development aligns with industry demand for more personalized and transparent travel retailing, offering greater flexibility and customization for travelers.

Positive

• Multi-year renewal of distribution agreement between Sabre and WestJet
• Expansion to include NDC content, enhancing travel agency offerings
• Potential for increased revenue through more personalized and flexible travel options

Negative

• None.

Insights

Travel Technology Expert

This partnership between Sabre and WestJet marks a significant step towards modernizing airline distribution. The inclusion of New Distribution Capability (NDC) content is a game-changer, enabling more personalized and flexible travel options. This move aligns with the industry's shift towards enhanced retailing capabilities, potentially increasing revenue opportunities for airlines and improving the booking experience for travelers.

The multi-year nature of this agreement suggests a long-term commitment to innovation in the travel distribution landscape. By integrating NDC content alongside traditional EDIFACT, Sabre is positioning itself as a key player in the evolving travel technology ecosystem. This could lead to increased market share and revenue streams for Sabre, while also providing WestJet with broader reach and more sophisticated selling tools.

Airline Industry Analyst

WestJet's decision to expand its distribution deal with Sabre, including NDC content, is a strategic move to enhance its competitive position. This partnership allows WestJet to differentiate its offerings and potentially capture higher-yield business through more tailored products. The ability to distribute both NDC and traditional content through a major GDS like Sabre ensures WestJet maintains broad market access while advancing its retailing capabilities.

For the airline industry, this deal represents a shift towards more sophisticated distribution strategies. As more airlines adopt NDC, we can expect to see increased product differentiation, dynamic pricing and ancillary revenue opportunities. This could lead to improved profitability for airlines that effectively leverage these new distribution channels, while also potentially disrupting traditional fare structures and competition dynamics in the market.

The multi-year agreement will provide travel agencies access to the complete range of both NDC offers and traditional content through the Sabre global distribution system

SOUTHLAKE, Texas, Aug. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Sabre Corporation (NASDAQ: SABR), a leading software and technology company that powers the global travel industry and WestJet, a major carrier based in Canada, have signed a multi-year renewal of their distribution agreement. This agreement will continue to provide Sabre-connected agencies with access to WestJet's robust content including future New Distribution Capability (NDC) offers.

The renewed agreement highlights the evolution of modern airline retailing. Through NDC offers, Sabre-connected agencies can present their customers with a richer array of travel choices. This development aligns with industry demand for more personalized and transparent travel retailing, allowing airlines to better differentiate their offerings, benefiting travelers with greater flexibility and customization.

Once NDC is implemented, travel agents will be able to shop, book and service WestJet's NDC offers, alongside its EDIFACT content, through Sabre's Offer and Order APIs, the agency point-of-sale solution, Sabre Red 360, and the corporate booking tool, GetThere. Details about the NDC implementation will be shared closer to the launch.

"We are pleased to have reached a multi-year agreement with Sabre to expand our long-standing distribution partnership to cover not only EDIFACT but also NDC content once the technical connectivity has been implemented," said John Weatherill, Chief Commercial Officer, WestJet. "We rely on a trusted partner like Sabre to service a broad customer base through real-time connectivity to agency and corporate subscribers via the Sabre GDS." 

This agreement demonstrates Sabre's continued commitment to fostering strong partnerships that drive value and serve the diverse interests of the global travel ecosystem.

 "We're excited that our relationship with WestJet continues to gain momentum as we enable them to serve a broad scope of travelers," said Roshan Mendis, Chief Commercial Officer, Sabre Travel Solutions. "We look forward to being part of their continued growth by equipping them with the technology solutions that offer the broadest reach to help them succeed."

About Sabre Corporation 
Sabre Corporation is a leading software and technology company that takes on the biggest opportunities and solves the most complex challenges in travel. The company connects travel suppliers and buyers around the globe through innovative products and next-generation technology solutions. Sabre harnesses speed, scale, and insights to build tomorrow's technology today – empowering airlines, hoteliers, agencies, and other partners to retail, distribute, and fulfill travel worldwide. Headquartered in Southlake, Texas, USA, Sabre serves customers in more than 160 countries around the world. For more information, visit www.sabre.com.

About WestJet 
In 28 years of serving Canadians, WestJet has cut airfares in half and increased the flying population in Canada to more than 50 per cent. WestJet launched in 1996 with three aircraft, 250 employees and five destinations, growing over the years to more than 180 aircraft, 14,000 employees and more than 100 destinations in 26 countries.  

For more information about everything WestJet, please visit westjet.com.  

Connect with WestJet on Facebook at facebook.com/westjet  

Follow WestJet on Twitter at twitter.com/westjet and twitter.com/WestJetNews  

Follow WestJet on Instagram at instagram.com/westjet/  

Subscribe to WestJet on YouTube at youtube.com/westjet  

Read the WestJet Newsroom at westjet.com/en-ca/news

SABR-F

Media Contacts

Kristin Hays
Kristin.hays@sabre.com

Heidi Castle
Heidi.castle@sabre.com

Investor Contact
Brian Roberts
Brian.roberts@sabre.com
sabre.investorrelations@sabre.com

 

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SOURCE Sabre Corporation

FAQ

What is the new agreement between Sabre (SABR) and WestJet?

Sabre (SABR) and WestJet have expanded their long-term distribution agreement to include New Distribution Capability (NDC) content, providing Sabre-connected agencies access to WestJet's complete range of NDC offers and traditional content.

How will the Sabre (SABR) and WestJet agreement affect travel agents?

Once implemented, travel agents will be able to shop, book, and service WestJet's NDC offers alongside EDIFACT content through Sabre's Offer and Order APIs, Sabre Red 360, and GetThere, offering more personalized and flexible travel options.

When will Sabre (SABR) implement NDC content for WestJet bookings?

The press release does not specify an exact implementation date. It states that details about the NDC implementation will be shared closer to the launch.

What platforms will support WestJet's NDC content through Sabre (SABR)?

WestJet's NDC content will be supported through Sabre's Offer and Order APIs, the agency point-of-sale solution Sabre Red 360, and the corporate booking tool GetThere.