Air India today announced a new multi-year deal with Nasdaq-listed Sabre Corporation to enable travel agents and corporations around the world to access the Indian airline’s fares and seats through Sabre’s global travel marketplace.
In addition to the distribution services, Air India is utilizing Sabre’s consultancy expertise to help determine optimal routes for its existing and new fleet, the company said in a statement.
The deal value was not disclosed.
“The Indian travel market is back, and it’s coming back strong,” said Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial & Transformation Officer, Air India. “So, we’re delighted to have re-established, and enhanced, our relationship with Sabre at this transformative time for Air India, and the wider Indian travel marketplace. This long-term global distribution partnership will support our ambitious growth plans while paving the ground for our transition towards a more dynamic, merchandising-focused model, designed to unlock the value of Air India’s products and services.”
Air India, which Indian conglomerate Tata bought from the government as it was burning taxpayer’s money with piling losses and debt, is seeking a multi-stage transformation roadmap towards becoming a “world class global airline with an Indian heart.”
The airline is looking for a big leap into global skies and has this year placed the largest aircraft order in aviation history for 470 planes.
The flag carrier is expanding its fleet and network, revamping its customer proposition, and improving reliability in operations. Earlier in April, the airline said it had concluded the first phase of its five-year transformation plan, called Vihaan.AI. The first phase in the airline’s transformation journey focussed on addressing legacy issues of the airline and laying the foundation for future growth.
The new deal with Sabre also comes close on the heels of the company announcing it will use artificial intelligence-driven chatbot and other initiatives as part of modernising the digital systems for which it has made an initial investment of $200 million.
Sabre’s consultancy work with Air India includes an in-depth market evaluation, the development of new hub and schedule structural designs, and detailed planning of route network and capacity over a 10-year horizon, as well as the optimization of fleet assignment across its system, the company said.
“We are confident Air India will gain substantial value by having access and reach to Sabre’s global network of travel agencies, in conjunction with benefiting from our route planning expertise,” said Roshan Mendis, Chief Commercial Officer, Sabre Travel Solutions. “And, our travel agency partners in India and around the world will gain greatly from having access to Air India’s products and services.”
