Air India has signed a multi-year deal with
Sabre that enables travel agents and corporations around the world
to access its fares through the GDS’ extensive global
travel marketplace.
In addition to the distribution services, the Star
Alliance member is utilizing Sabre’s consultancy expertise to
help determine optimal routes for its existing and expanding fleet.
Air India content is expected to be available from
4 May 2023 through Sabre’s travel marketplace.
“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.”
Now under the ownership of the Tata Group, Air
India, as part of its five-year transformation plan, 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.
“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.”
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 traveller 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.”
