United Nigeria eyes Forex flow with Sabre marketplace

The Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, said the desire to reposition his airline through technology to reach global traffic and earn more Foreign exchange motivated the partnership between the airline and global travel technology company Sabre Corporation as the carrier is now captured on the Global Distribution System (GDS).

The agreement marks the airline’s first collaboration with a global distribution technology partner, enabling it to distribute its product via Sabre’s expansive global marketplace.

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.

Obiora who spoke to journalists at the event, said the deal makes interline and codeshare arrangements inevitable as the airline prepares to launch services to Accra, Ghana and other destinations that it has been designated.

He said, “The director had told me that this is one of the fastest integrations they have ever done worldwide. You may be aware that with this having been achieved, United Nigeria has now become the third Nigerian airline that is on GDS. This is in keeping with our promise to go global as quickly as we can. These are things that were lined up as part of our set objectives that have been a little bit delayed by the problems we have in the country, and especially in the aviation sector in the last two to three years. But we can be delayed, but not stopped.”

“We understand the challenges this is coming with. What it means now is that we have over 50,000 agents in 200 countries with the capacity to buy our tickets. That means we need a lot more seats to serve. We need to increase our inventories, and we have good news for you. By this time next year, we will have increased our capacity by over 2,000 per cent. From October to November, we will be adopting new aircraft, no less than four big-body aircraft.”

 The airline is about to go global with designations to the United Kingdom, United States of America, United Arab Emirates, Johannesburg, and Dakar, among other African countries. Further expansions on domestic routes include Jos, Maiduguri, and Bauchi, with plans to start its first regional flight to Accra, Ghana on August 25, 2025.

 He noted that the agreement supports the carrier’s growth strategy, enhances its visibility, and enables travel agents globally to seamlessly shop and book its fares, stressing that he looks forward to welcoming more travelers through this new partnership.

 Vice President, Airline Distribution, EMEA, Sabre, Alessandro Ciancimino said, “ 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”.

 He stated that the agreement will provide United Nigeria Airlines with new tools to help maximise reach and revenue potential while empowering travel sellers to build more tailored itineraries for their clients.

 President of Sabre Central and West Africa, Joshua Olowo stated that, “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.” 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.

Wole Shadare