Virgin Australia has selected Sabre Corporation (NASDAQ: SABR) to power its future New Distribution Capability (NDC) connection.
Virgin Australia will use Sabre’s NDC IT capabilities, together with its Global Distribution System (GDS), to both create and distribute innovative offers and rich, customised NDC content.
The Sabre technology will be deployed to power its future retailing efforts across both direct and indirect channels.
Using Sabre’s NDC IT capabilities, the carrier will be able to make real-time NDC offers accessible to travel buyers so they will be able to shop, book, and service Virgin Australia’s NDC air and ancillary offers with speed and scalability.
Virgin’s multi-pronged strategy is backed by an extensive suite of Sabre technology to help in its efforts to improve operational efficiencies, increase revenue opportunities, create tailored offers for travellers, and distribute those offers across the global travel marketplace.
“It was vital to us that we chose the right, future-focused technology partner to enable us to create tailored, customised offers in real-time, and position those offers in the right distribution channels at the right time, to the right travellers,” CCO, Virgin Australia, Dave Emerson, said.
“Investing in our distribution and retailing capability is crucial to enable a modern airline retailing strategy that’s fit for purpose for today, tomorrow and for the longer term.
“We’re pleased to be partnering with Sabre as our NDC IT technology provider, so we can take a clear step forward in our retailing and distribution evolution.”
This is the latest step in Virgin Australia and Sabre’s long-standing, strategic relationship.
The carrier recently announced it had chosen two new solutions from Sabre’s Retail Intelligence suite, together with renewing its multi-year Sabre distribution agreement that includes the future addition of NDC content.
Now, Virgin Australia is turning its attention to its future retailing and distribution strategy by selecting Sabre’s NDC IT capabilities.
“We’re thrilled to continue to enhance our relationship with Virgin Australia,” VP – product management and distribution services, Sabre Travel Solutions, Kathy Morgan, said.
“NDC is a key priority for Sabre and the global travel industry because it lays the groundwork for future airline retailing based on Offers and Orders.
“What is important for Virgin Australia is Sabre will be supporting both the IT and distribution sides of the NDC equation for the airline, giving them a holistic set of solutions and a clear NDC roadmap for the future.”
