United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) has signed a joint venture distribution agreement with Sabre Central and West Africa.
Through the agreement, Sabre-connected travel agents worldwide will gain access to the UNA fares and inventory on the Global Distribution System (GDS), supporting the airline’s ambitions for growth across Nigeria and West Africa.
Speaking during the signing ceremony in Southlake, Texas, USA, the chairman of UNA, Prof Obiora Okonkwo said the deal aligns with the airline’s ambition to expand internationally and leverage technology to improve sales and service.
He also announced that the Sabre platform will allow agents in over 200 countries to access the airline’s fares and inventory instantly.
“This puts us in a position where we can compete globally. It enables ticket sales in foreign exchange and simplifies our inter-line and code-sharing agreements. This is a game-changer for our operations,” he added.
Also speaking, the executive director and chief operating officer of UNA, Mr Osita Okonkwo said: Choosing Sabre marks a significant milestone in United Nigeria Airlines’ journey. For the first time, we are making our product available through a global travel marketplace, giving us the opportunity to broaden our reach and connect with travelers around the world.
“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 travelers through this new partnership.”
For his part, the vice president, airline distribution, Sabre, Mr Alessandro Ciancimino remarked: “At Sabre, we’re committed to helping carriers of all sizes scale efficiently and better serve the needs of today’s travelers. So, we’re proud to support United Nigeria Airlines as they take this important step to expand their reach. By joining the Sabre travel marketplace, the airline is increasing access to content for travel agents worldwide and unlocking new opportunities for revenue and growth.”
Similarly, the president of Sabre Central and West Africa, Mr Joshua Olowo said: “We are excited to welcome United Nigeria Airlines to the Sabre marketplace as our newest airline partner. “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.”
At a press conference held in Lagos yesterday, the UNA chairman said airline based on the deal, UNA “is now officially live of the GDS and accessible to all travel channels that Sabre operates,” making the carrier the third Nigeria registered airline on the system.
He added that the airline has over 50,000 agents in different countries since Sabre has over 50, 0000 travel agencies globally working in its platform.
“This is one of the fastest integration that Sabre has done worldwide,” Okonkwo stated.
He also disclosed that the integration process began January 2025 and will this month (June).
Also speaking at the event, the director, Sabre Corporation, Africa and Europe, Mr Bobby Bryan said their system is equipped to support UNA’s scaling plans.
“As aircraft arrive and schedules are adjusted, the Sabre system reflects these changes live. Travel agents across the globe can access and sell those seats without delay. There are strong players here and United Nigeria has shown what the future can hold,” he said.
Since its launch in 2021, United Nigeria Airlines has rapidly expanded its operations to key cities across Nigeria, including: Abuja, Lagos, Enugu, Port Harcourt, Owerri, Asaba, Anambra, Kano, Warri, Katsina, Sokoto, Bayelsa, and Benin.
The airline is about to go global with designations to United Kingdom, United States of America, United Arab Emirates; Johannesburg, and Dakar, among other African countries.
The airline plans further expansion on the domestic routes to destinations including Jos, Maiduguri, and Bauchi while plans are in the works to start the first regional flight to Accra, Ghana on August 25, 2025.
With this agreement, the airline strengthens its sales strategy, improves visibility, and enters a new phase of commercial capability.
Sabre Corporation, on the other hand, is a leading technology company that takes on the biggest opportunities and solves the most complex challenges in travel. Sabre harnesses speed, scale and insights to build tomorrow’s technology today – empowering airlines, hoteliers, agencies and other partners to retail, distribute and fulfill travel worldwide.
Headquartered in Southlake, Texas, USA, with employees across the world, Sabre serves customers in more than 160 countries globally.
