All Virgin Australia fares and inventory will be available via the Sabre global distribution system following the signing of a multi-year full content distribution agreement.
The new global deal, which includes fare families and ancillary product, comes into effect immediately and builds on the airline’s upgrade to the technology firm’s AdvanceConnect product, announced in November (Travel Today, November 23).
As part of the agreement, agents and corporate customers will have real time access to Virgin Australia content without surcharges.
Sabre said it will ensure the most accurate shopping and booking experience.
“Sabre is committed to helping Virgin Australia realise its business goals by delivering powerful tools and solutions…so they can reach the largest number of customers with the products and services travellers want,” Sabre Travel Network Asia Pacific vice president Han Belle said.
“Virgin Australia is a terrific partner that truly understands and appreciates the value of the Sabre GDS and we look forward to doing all we can to help the airline flourish.”
The agreement will give Virgin Australia greater exposure to agents, particularly in Europe where it is attempting to shed the low cost airline perception that was synonymous with Virgin Blue.
Distributing via the GDS will go some way to achieving that aim, observers said.
