Air Astra, a new Bangladeshi airline, has signed
a distribution agreement with Sabre.
The Dhaka-based carrier has joined Sabre’s global
distribution family to support its indirect retailing strategy as
it plans for future growth.
The deal further expands Sabre’s footprint in the
country, while enabling Air Astra to sell its domestic and future
international inventory worldwide through Sabre-connected travel
agents.
“It was essential to us to have the right
technology partner from the outset, with the advanced solutions we
need to fulfill our domestic and global growth strategy,” said
Imran Asif, Ph.D. Chief Executive Officer & Accountable Manager,
Air Astra. “So, we’re thrilled to be working with Sabre to
distribute our fares and inventory through Sabre’s extensive
worldwide network of travel agents, enabling agents to create the
travel experiences their customers want.”
Based out of Shahjalal International Airport (DAC), Air
Astra first took to the skies at the end of 2022 with
inaugural domestic flights to Cox’s Bazar and Chittagong.
The
carrier has plans for a phased rollout of further domestic routes,
as well as increasing its fleet size and launching international
services.
“It is testament to the tenacity and resilience of
the aviation industry when we see start-ups who have planned their
launch during the pandemic and are now taking to the skies as
recovery continues to escalate,” said Rakesh Narayanan, Vice
President, Regional General Manager, Asia Pacific, Travel
Solutions – Airline Sales. “We’re delighted that Air Astra has
implemented Sabre’s Global Distribution System to ensure it is
best positioned to take advantage of pent-up travel demand,
capitalize on ongoing recovery, and fulfill its ambitious business
strategy.”
