Qantas extends global distribution agreement with Sabre

Rhea-AI Summary

Sabre (NASDAQ: SABR) has extended its long-term distribution agreement with Qantas, Australia's largest airline. The multi-year renewal ensures that Sabre-connected travel agencies worldwide will continue to have access to both traditional EDIFACT and New Distribution Capability (NDC) content from Qantas.

The agreement builds upon their existing partnership, with Sabre being among the first global distribution systems to distribute Qantas' NDC offers in 2021. This renewal reflects both companies' commitment to providing travel agencies with enhanced flexibility and personalization options while ensuring comprehensive access to Qantas' content through Sabre's global marketplace.

Positive

• Extended long-term distribution agreement with major airline Qantas
• Maintains Sabre's position as a strategic distribution partner for NDC content
• Ensures continued revenue stream from one of Australia's largest airlines

Negative

• None.

Insights

Tech Expert

The renewal of Sabre's distribution agreement with Qantas represents a significant technological advancement in travel distribution infrastructure. The integration of NDC content alongside traditional EDIFACT systems creates a more robust and flexible booking ecosystem. This dual-capability platform enhances Sabre's competitive position in the global distribution space, particularly as airlines increasingly prioritize NDC adoption. The extended partnership with a major carrier like Qantas validates Sabre's technology strategy and strengthens its market position in the Asia-Pacific region. The multi-source content platform addresses the growing demand for personalized travel options while maintaining the efficiency of traditional distribution channels. This technological framework positions Sabre to capture increased transaction volume as travel demand continues to recover globally.

Market Research Analyst

This agreement solidifies Sabre's market position in the competitive GDS landscape. Being among the first to distribute Qantas' NDC content since 2021 has given Sabre a first-mover advantage and this renewal indicates successful execution of that initial implementation. The deal ensures steady revenue streams from one of the largest carriers in the Asia-Pacific region. While the financial terms aren't disclosed, these agreements typically generate significant transaction-based revenues. The multi-year nature of the contract provides predictable income and reduces business uncertainty. The partnership with Qantas, known for its premium positioning, could attract other airlines seeking enhanced distribution capabilities, potentially expanding Sabre's market share.

Long-term renewal reinforces Qantas' commitment to distributing both traditional and NDC content through Sabre's robust, worldwide marketplace.

SINGAPORE and SYDNEY, Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Sabre Corporation (NASDAQ: SABR), a leading software and technology provider that powers the global travel industry, has extended its long-term distribution agreement with Qantas, Australia's largest airline. This multi-year agreement reflects a continued commitment between Sabre and Qantas to deliver the widest breadth of content to travel agencies worldwide with the most flexible options, including comprehensive access to Qantas' New Distribution Capability (NDC) content.

"At Qantas, we're focused on enhancing our retailing capabilities to meet the dynamic needs of both travelers and travel agencies," said Kathryn Robertson, Qantas Executive Manager, Global Sales & Distribution. "Our continuing collaboration with Sabre is central to our distribution strategy, helping ensure our customers can seamlessly shop, book, and service a comprehensive range of Qantas content via NDC. We're excited to be able to offer agencies more flexibility and choice in the coming months through Sabre's global marketplace."

Sabre and Qantas have had a valued, long-standing distribution relationship, with Sabre being among the first global distribution systems to distribute the airline's NDC offers in 2021. Under the renewed agreement, Sabre-connected agents will continue to be able to access the full range of traditional EDIFACT and NDC offers made available by Qantas. 

"We're delighted that Qantas continues to trust Sabre as a strategic distribution partner to advance their strategy," said Chris Wilding, Senior Vice President, Air Distribution, Sabre Travel Solutions. "Just as we are committed to providing travellers with greater choice through our multi-source content platform, we also want to empower travel agents with enhanced flexibility and personalization in the way they do business. This renewed agreement highlights the joint commitment of Qantas and Sabre to creating a comprehensive marketplace that seamlessly meets the demands of a rapidly evolving travel ecosystem."

About Sabre Corporation 
Sabre Corporation is a 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 and across the ecosystem 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 Qantas
Founded in 1920, Qantas is Australia's national carrier and one of the world's most recognized airlines. Known for its commitment to safety, innovation, and customer service, Qantas operates a comprehensive domestic and international network, connecting travelers to more than 85 destinations across Australia, Asia, the Americas, Europe, and the Pacific.

SABR-F

Media Contacts:

Kristin Hays
Kristin.hays@sabre.com

Chandra Moyse
Chandra.moyse@sabre.com

Investors 
Brian Evans
sabre.investorrelations@sabre.com

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SOURCE Sabre Corporation

FAQ

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

Sabre (SABR) has extended its long-term distribution agreement with Qantas, allowing Sabre-connected travel agencies worldwide to access both traditional EDIFACT and NDC content from the airline.

When did Sabre (SABR) first start distributing Qantas' NDC content?

Sabre (SABR) was among the first global distribution systems to distribute Qantas' NDC offers in 2021.

What content will be available through Sabre (SABR) under the renewed Qantas agreement?

Under the renewed agreement, Sabre-connected agents will have access to the full range of traditional EDIFACT and NDC offers made available by Qantas.