New Distribution Capabilities (NDC)
New Distribution Capabilities (NDC)
New Distribution Capabilities (NDC)
Updates and milestones
2026 Strategy
Discover what’s ahead with WestJet’s NDC strategy. Launching in mid‑2026, built in partnership with the travel trade, our NDC program will deliver modernized pricing and enhanced servicing features, including automated exchanges and True Reshop.
2025 Achievements
The highlights showed how far we had come that year in our goal of delivering more flexibility and value for you and your clients.
Looking ahead
More releases are on the way, and with them comes new functionality. Early Q1 2026 will bring enhancements for involuntary exchanges and refunds that will streamline how schedule changes and irregular operations are managed. We look forward to sharing more updates on our NDC journey in the new year.
Latest news
As part of our ongoing commitment to enhance WestJet’s NDC capabilities ahead of launch, we’re introducing a new feature in Accelya’s 11.5 release: automated involuntary exchange. Available to NDC users at go-live in mid-2026, this enhancement is designed to help you manage disruptions more efficiently, streamline servicing and deliver a smoother experience for your clients.
With involuntary exchange capabilities in NDC channels, you’ll be able to Reshop for alternative options in the event of a schedule change. Key benefits include:
Streamlined servicing: You can choose to accept the schedule change or Reshop for alternative options.
Automatic validation: Eligible one-way, round-trip, multi-city, open-jaw and partially flown itineraries will be processed as even exchanges with no penalty.
A few weeks ago, we shared some exciting NDC enhancements that are currently being tested, including prepaid bags, True Reshop and category 31 automated voluntary exchanges. We’ve also been working on establishing NDC connectivity through our technology partners – and there’s even more to come.
Our commitment throughout this journey remains the same. We’re building NDC in partnership with you, guided by your feedback every step of the way. That’s why we wanted to let you know where we are today and what you can expect ahead of our mid-2026 launch.
Looking back
In July 2024, we announced Accelya as our NDC technology partner. With Accelya’s FLX platform supporting our strategy, we’re going to market with proven technology that will drive real value creation.
Our approach
At the start of this journey, we established guiding principles that form the foundation of our NDC strategy and shape every step we take.
- We’re building NDC with you, not for you. We’re listening closely to feedback from our valued trade partners and making sure your voice is reflected throughout the process.
- At WestJet, NDC is synonymous with value creation. We’re focused on generating value and unlocking benefits for your business and clients.
- NDC is a journey, and we want to do it well. We’re taking the time to get this right — building with intention, incorporating feedback and completing thorough testing to ensure a quality product when we go live.
- You choose how your business connects. Our goal is to empower you to determine your own NDC path. Once live, you’ll be able to access NDC through the channel of your choice.
Where we’re at now
We’re currently working with a closed user group to complete testing and ensure product stability. To make sure you can connect through your preferred channel when we launch, we’re enabling NDC connectivity across several distribution options. Testing is underway across various channels – here are some key dates:
- Sabre: Testing begins Q4 2025
- Travelfusion: Testing begins Q4 2025
- Amadeus: NDC integration in progress
- Travelport: NDC integration in progress
Thank you
Your partnership continues to guide our progress, and we couldn’t do this without you. You can expect more NDC updates in the months ahead. In the meantime, we encourage you to visit our NDC page on the travel agent resource site for the latest information and answers to frequently asked questions.
Don’t miss out on what’s next
Stay up to date on the latest WestJet NDC program updates, including implementation details, new enhancements and important announcements.
Our guiding principles
At the start of our NDC journey, we established four guiding principles that form the foundation of our strategy and shape every step we take.
Built with you, not for you
We listened closely to feedback from our trade partners and made sure your voice was reflected throughout the process.
NDC is synonymous with value creation
We’re focused on generating value and unlocking benefits for our travel partners.
This is a journey, and we want to do it well
We’re taking the time to do this right – building with intention, incorporating feedback and completing thorough testing to ensure a quality product.
Your choice, your connection
You’ll be able to access NDC through the channel of your choice, empowering you to determine your own path.
NDC capabilities
Explore our list of NDC capabilities that have already been released. Use this to identify which tools align with your business needs and see what we continue to make progress on, so you know what to expect when we launch.
Learning module and webinar
Whether you’re new to NDC or just want a refresher, our learning module is here to help.
MICROLEARNING | 10 MINUTES
Course highlights:
- What is NDC
- How it works
- Benefits of NDC
- WestJet and NDC
Frequently asked questions
Looking for quick answers? Our FAQs cover everything from project timelines and content capabilities to staying informed on updates and getting the support you need.
When is WestJet planning on implementing NDC?
We intend to roll out NDC in mid-2026. Once live, we will have NDC connectivity with all three GDS – Sabre, Amadeus and Travelport – plus direct connection options. We’re carefully working through each phase of our journey and our partners play an important part in this process. Thanks to your invaluable feedback and collaboration, we’re refining our offering to ensure our NDC product provides the most competitive fares and comprehensive ancillary options.
Other carriers have used a phased approach when rolling out NDC. What is WestJet’s plan for implementation?
We started working on NDC in 2023 with the goal of delivering a product that adds value to your business. At WestJet, NDC is a journey, not a race. That’s why we’re planning for a mid-2026 implementation and taking the time to do it right. To meet this target, we’re currently working closely with our technology partners to ensure you will be able connect through the channel of your choice. We’re also in the process of testing functionality and product enhancements with a specialist third-party company and a closed group of test partner agencies. This phase will help ensure API stability and a quality product when we go live. We will continue to provide regular updates, so we recommend subscribing to communications and checking this page often.
How much time will WestJet give travel agencies to adopt NDC?
One of our guiding principles is that we’re building NDC with you, not for you. We’re committed to keeping you informed throughout the journey and providing advance notice of key milestones so you know what to expect. Once we fully roll out NDC, the timeline to adopt will ultimately depend on you. Our hope is that you will adopt NDC as quickly as possible to take advantage of the benefits.
Will NDC be available in all GDS platforms at the same time?
When we launch NDC, it will be available in all three GDS platforms – Sabre, Amadeus and Travelport – to ensure we deliver on our commitment to providing you with the channel of your choice.
Are you inviting partners to participate as early adopters of WestJet’s NDC? If so, what is your strategy around who you are considering?
Currently, we’re working through testing with a closed user group of partners to ensure a successful NDC launch.
How can I stay informed of WestJet’s progress on the NDC implementation?
We’re committed to keeping you informed throughout our NDC journey. We recommend visiting this page often as it will be updated regularly with new information. We will also communicate with you via email and in our monthly newsletters, so we suggest subscribing to our communications
Will self-serve post booking functionalities be available for NDC bookings?
We are prioritizing the inclusion of self-serve post-booking functionalities for NDC bookings to ensure a seamless guest experience. We will also be counting on your feedback to help us determine and prioritize the functionality that is of highest value. When we have more details, we will share our product roadmap that includes which servicing capabilities will be enabled.
Will ancillaries be available to book once NDC is implemented?
Yes. Our NDC platform will allow you to seamlessly book bags and seats for your clients, offering a streamlined and efficient booking experience.
Other carriers have not been able to successfully facilitate private fares in NDC. How will WestJet manage this?
We know private fares are an important part of our business with you, which is why we have made their implementation a top priority. Private fares can be distributed via NDC and our partner, Accelya, has already successfully done this with other carriers. We will work closely with Accelya, the GDS platforms and our test partners to ensure our private fares are functioning as designed before we move to a wider adoption of NDC.
Has WestJet considered offering segment incentives for bookings made via NDC?
NDC does provide the ability to offer segment incentives. As we have more information, we will communicate the latest updates on NDC offerings and opportunities.
Will the Travel Support Team be fully trained to support NDC bookings?
An important part of WestJet’s NDC journey is ensuring you are properly supported. There will be support available if you require assistance with your NDC bookings. More details around the support process and how to access it will be communicated as we approach our mid-2026 launch.ney. We recommend visiting this page often as it will be updated regularly with new information. We will also communicate with you via email and in our monthly newsletters, so we suggest subscribing to our communications.
Have more questions?
Do you have a question that hasn’t been answered on this page? Click the link below to submit your question. We will answer as many as we can, so come back to this page often!