United Nigeria Airlines was welcomed to scheduled operations four years ago with a water cannon. Four years later, welcomed to the Global Distribution System, GDS, courtesy of Sabre Technologies
Perhaps you’re among those wondering why a start-up still rooted in the domestic terrain is engaging an international distribution company to position the airline’s products and brand in the global market, its because the United Nigeria Airlines, UNA, is focused on both the regional and global markets while still making great impact/strides in the domestic market.
The marriage alliance with Sabre Technologies heralded the presence of UNA on the Global Distribution System GDS, an ambitious presence in the global market while working extra hard, and very smart with digital resources, to be found as undisputable primus inter pares among the players in the domestic market.
This gesture will surely brighten UNA’s prospects of interlining and codesharing ahead of its operations in the regional and global markets.
The joint media statement by Saber West Africa, and United Nigeria Airlines, UNA, alluded to positive outcomes expected from the arrangement thus, “through the agreement, Sabre-connected travel agents worldwide will gain access to the Nigeria-based carrier’s fares and inventory, supporting United Nigeria Airlines’ ambitions for growth across Nigeria and West Africa”.
The statement claimed that for UNA joining the Sabre travel marketplace, “the airline will be increasing access to its content for travel agents worldwide and unlocking new opportunities for revenue and growth.”
Speaking on the desirability of the collaboration with Sabre, Mazi Osita Okonkwo, Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer, ED/COO, UNA, was quoted to have said that, “Choosing Sabre marks a significant milestone in the airlines’ journey. For the first time, we are making our product available through a global travel marketplace, allowing us to broaden our reach and connect with travellers around the world.”
He further said, “this agreement supports our growth strategy, enhances our visibility, and enables travel agents globally to seamlessly shop and book our fares. We look forward to welcoming more travellers through this new partnership.”
Reiterating the deliverables expected by the UNA, Alessandro Ciancimino, Vice President, Airline Distribution, EMEA, Sabre, promised to assist UNA scale efficiently and to better serve the needs of today’s travellers.
Ciancimino said, consequent to the very important leap of faith taken “by joining the Sabre travel marketplace, the airline will in turn experience increasing access to content for travel agents worldwide and unlocking new opportunities for revenue and growth”.
The President of Sabre Central and West Africa, Dr. Joshua Olowo, said, “We are excited to welcome United Nigeria Airlines to the Sabre marketplace as our newest airline partner.”
Olowo expressed the following sentiment, “This partnership aligns with our goal to help local carriers reach broader markets, increase revenue opportunities, and serve travellers better through Sabre’s world-class technology.”
Operational Strategy of UNA To Achieve the Utmost Benefit From GDS
The Chairman and Founder of United Nigeria Airlines, UNA, Professor Obiorah Okonkwo, in a chat with members of the League of Airports and Aviation Correspondents-Nigeria, LAAC-N, on the historic day the airlines was switched on in all Sabre digital platforms globally, he announced that by 25th August 2025, the airline will launch its regional operations with a scheduled flight to Accra, Ghana.
The Accra route is in addition to the 13 destinations being serviced on the domestic routes, namely, Abuja, Lagos, Enugu, Port Harcourt, Owerri, Asaba, Anambra, Kano, Warri, Katsina, Sokoto, Bayelsa, and Benin. Prof Okonkwo, an investment banker, added that other destinations that will quickly come on its domestic flight schedule include Jos, Maiduguri, and Bauchi.
Dakar will be included in the regional operations, and a few others will soon be announced.
Okonkwo said hard work had gone into the imminent launching of service to those international destinations in the USA, Europe and the Middle East countries, especially the United Arab Emirates, UAE, which the federal government had already consented for the airlines to service.
Global Distribution System: Overview In A Nutshell
A Global Distribution System (GDS) is a computerised network that acts as a central reservation system for the travel industry, connecting travel agencies with various travel providers like airlines, hotels, and car rental companies.
It allows travel agents to search, compare prices, and book travel products in real-time for their clients. Essentially, a GDS provides travel agents with a centralised platform to access inventory, pricing, and availability information from multiple travel suppliers.
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