Sabre and Vietnam Airlines extend distribution and technology partnership

Agreement 'demonstrates our clear commitment to supporting the rapid recovery and future growth of the Vietnam travel industry', says Sabre's Sean Menke

GDS and travel tech provider Sabre Corporation has extended its distribution deal with flag carrier Vietnam Airlines to provide its content to its global network of booking agents. 

Sabre said the new deal strengths its presence in the Vietnam aviation marketplace and the relationship with the carrier. 

In addition to Sabre’s GDS, the Hanoi-based carrier also uses the firm’s suite of SabreSonic Passenger Service System (PSS) technology including reservation and ticketing, inventory and departure control solutions. 

Vietnam Airlines also uses Sabre’s Revenue Optimiser to maximise revenue using near-real time network partner and comprehensive passenger revenue performance data as well as further Sabre solutions to enable the carrier to provide travellers with a premium experience. 

Le Hong Ha, chief executive of Vietnam Airlines, said: “The aviation industry has evolved rapidly in recent years, and we highly appreciate Sabre’s wide-ranging, robust, scalable technological solutions for having brought significant value to Vietnam Airlines. 

“Sabre’s robust global marketplace has supported Vietnam Airlines efficiently in reaching travellers worldwide following the easing of travel restrictions in Vietnam. 

“We also appreciate the commitment of Sabre in supporting the recovery and growth of Vietnam Airlines as well as the Vietnam travel industry during and after Covid-19 pandemic. 

“Today, we’re very happy to reaffirm our long-standing partnership that our two corporations have enjoyed for over a decade, and look forward to new successes in the future"

Vietnam Airlines is ramping up operations following the re-opening of the country’s borders to international travellers earlier this year. 

The carrier says it is playing a key role in Vietnam’s aim to push tourist arrivals to five million this year, including attracting tourists from key markets including India, the US, Europe and the Middle East. 

Sean Menke, chair of the board and chief executive Sabre, said: “The fact that we’re able to be in Vietnam to meet our valued partners at Vietnam Airlines and sign this agreement in person is testament to the strong recovery we are seeing across all sectors of the travel industry.

“This agreement demonstrates our clear commitment to supporting the rapid recovery and future growth of the Vietnam travel industry.

“We’re excited that Sabre will continue to bring significant value to Vietnam Airlines at this critical time for Vietnam’s aviation market and we look forward to continuing to enable the carrier to connect the world to some of Asia’s most exciting destinations.” 

The expanded distribution agreement between Sabre and Vietnam Airlines was signed between Trinh Ngoc Thanh, Vietnam Airlines’ executive vice president and Sabre’s vice president, regional general manager, Asia Pacific, travel solutions agency sales, Rakesh Narayanan at Vietnam Airlines’ headquarters in Hanoi.