Air India and Sabre re-establish valued relationship with new distribution agreement and advanced network planning consulting to support the carrier's transformative ambitions

Rhea-AI Summary

Sabre Corporation (NASDAQ: SABR) and Air India have entered a new multi-year agreement allowing global travel sellers to access Air India fares and inventory via Sabre's Global Distribution System (GDS). This partnership coincides with Air India's ambitious expansion plans, following its historic order of 470 aircraft. The collaboration aims to optimize Air India's network and enhance its competitive position both domestically and internationally. The deal underscores Sabre's commitment to the Indian market and is expected to significantly improve Air India's service offerings. Air India content will be available on Sabre's platform starting May 4. The partnership includes consultancy services to develop a comprehensive and efficient scheduling and operational strategy.

Positive

• New multi-year agreement with Air India enhances distribution through Sabre's GDS.
• Access to Air India's inventory benefits global travel agents and corporations.
• Partnership aligns with Air India's significant fleet expansion of 470 aircraft.
• Consultancy services from Sabre will improve operational efficiency and route planning.

Negative

• None.

Sabre and Air India ink deal to enable travel sellers globally to access Air India fares and inventory through Sabre's Global Distribution System (GDS) while creating optimal network plans for the carrier's existing and future fleet

SOUTHLAKE, Texas, April 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Sabre Corporation (NASDAQ: SABR), a leading software and technology provider that powers the global travel industry, and Air India, one of India's leading airlines and a Star Alliance member, today announced a new multi-year deal that enables travel agents and corporations around the world to access Air India fares and seats through Sabre's extensive global travel marketplace.  

Having recently placed the biggest aircraft order in aviation history for 470 aircraft, Air India is forging ahead with ambitious expansion plans. In addition to the distribution services, Air India is utilizing Sabre's consultancy expertise to help determine optimal routes for its existing and new fleet.

"The Indian travel market is back, and it's coming back strong," said Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial & Transformation Officer, Air India. "So, we're delighted to have re-established, and enhanced, our relationship with Sabre at this transformative time for Air India, and the wider Indian travel marketplace. This long-term global distribution partnership will support our ambitious growth plans while paving the ground for our transition towards a more dynamic, merchandising-focused model, designed to unlock the value of Air India's products and services." 

"As well as coming together once more under a new GDS agreement, we're excited to be working hand-in-hand with Sabre's incredibly knowledgeable consultancy team on the development of a clean-sheet, long-term network plan," added Mr Aggarwal. "We are confident this will strengthen Air India's position in our domestic and international routes and help us to become more competitive on the global aviation stage. We are delighted to further strengthen our relationship with Sabre and look forward to closer collaboration in the coming years."

Now under the ownership of the Tata Group, Air India, as part of its five-year transformation plan, titled Vihaan.AI because it means 'the dawn of a new era' in Sanskrit, is substantially expanding its fleet and network, revamping its customer proposition, and improving reliability in operations to emerge as one of the world's premier carriers.

The new deal marks an important new chapter in the relationship between Air India and Sabre and is testament to Sabre's commitment to the Indian travel market. Air India content is expected to be available from May 4 through Sabre's travel marketplace. The expertise housed in Sabre's Bengaluru capability centre will provide close proximity support for Air India's innovation and transformation journey.  

While historically, airlines building a schedule for the next season have relied on previous plans, clean-sheet scheduling gives carriers the ultimate flexibility to develop a more optimal schedule for operational efficiency, increased reliability, enhanced revenue, and traveler satisfaction. Sabre's consultancy work with Air India includes an in-depth market evaluation, the development of new hub and schedule structural designs, and detailed planning of route network and capacity over a 10-year horizon, as well as the optimization of fleet assignment across its system.

"We are confident Air India will gain substantial value by having access and reach to Sabre's global network of travel agencies, in conjunction with benefiting from our route planning expertise," said Roshan Mendis, Chief Commercial Officer, Sabre Travel Solutions. "And, our travel agency partners in India and around the world will gain greatly from having access to Air India's products and services."

About Sabre Corporation   
Sabre Corporation is a leading software and technology company that powers the global travel industry, serving a wide range of travel companies including airlines, hoteliers, travel agencies and other suppliers. The company provides retailing, distribution and fulfilment solutions that help its customers operate more efficiently, drive revenue and offer personalized traveller experiences. Through its leading travel marketplace, Sabre connects travel suppliers with buyers from around the globe. Sabre's technology platform manages more than $260B worth of global travel spend annually. Headquartered in Southlake, Texas, USA, Sabre serves customers in more than 160 countries around the world. For more information visit www.sabre.com.    

About Air India 
Founded by the legendary JRD Tata, Air India pioneered India's aviation sector. Since its first flight on October 15, 1932, Air India has an extensive domestic network and has spread its wings beyond to become a major international airline with a network across USA, Canada, UK, Europe, Far-East, South-East Asia, Australia and the Gulf. Air India is a member of Star Alliance, the largest global airline consortium. After 69 years as a Government-owned enterprise, Air India and Air India Express were welcomed back into the Tata group in January 2022. The present management at Air India is driving the five-year transformation roadmap under the aegis of Vihaan.AI to establish itself as a world-class global airline with an Indian heart.

Vihaan.AI is Air India's transformational roadmap over five years with clear milestones. It will be focusing on dramatically growing both its network and fleet, developing a completely revamped customer proposition, improving reliability and on-time performance. The airline will also be taking a leadership position in technology, sustainability, and innovation, while aggressively investing in the best industry talent. Vihaan.AI is aimed at putting Air India on a path to sustained growth, profitability and market leadership.

SABR-F

Sabre Contacts:

Media
Kristin Hays
kristin.hays@sabre.com

Heidi Castle
heidi.castle@sabre.com

Investors
Brian Roberts
sabre.investorrelations@sabre.com 

Media Contacts – Air India:

Aruna Gopalakrishnan
Email: aruna.gopalakrishnan@airindia.com

Ronit Baugh
Email: ronit.baugh@airindia.com

Sameek Bhattacharya
Email: sameek.bhatacharya@airindia.com

 

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SOURCE Sabre Corporation

FAQ

What is the new deal between Sabre and Air India about?

The deal allows global travel sellers to access Air India fares and inventory through Sabre's Global Distribution System.

When will Air India content be available on Sabre's platform?

Air India content will be available starting May 4.

How does the Sabre and Air India partnership benefit travelers?

The partnership enhances route planning and operational efficiency, leading to better service offerings for travelers.

What are Air India's expansion plans mentioned in the press release?

Air India plans to expand its fleet and network significantly, following a record order of 470 aircraft.

What consulting services will Sabre provide to Air India?

Sabre will offer consultancy on optimal routing, scheduling, and operational efficiency.