Virgin Australia selects Sabre as preferred NDC IT technology provider

GDS and travel technology provider Sabre Corporation has announced it has been selected by airline Virgin Australia to power its future NDC connection.

The airline will use Sabre’s NDC IT capabilities, together with its GDS to both create and distribute offers and customised NDC content.

Virgin Australia will deploy the technology to power its future retailing efforts across both direct and indirect channels.

The carrier will now be able to make real-time NDC offers accessible to travel buyers so they will be able to shop, book, and service Virgin Australia’s NDC air and ancillary offers with “speed and scalability”.

Its multi-pronged strategy is backed by an extensive suite of Sabre technology to help in its efforts to improve operational efficiencies, increase revenue opportunities, create tailored offers for travellers, and distribute those offers across the global travel marketplace.

“It was vital to us that we chose the right, future-focused technology partner to enable us to create tailored, customised offers in real time, and position those offers in the right distribution channels at the right time, to the right travellers,” said Dave Emerson, chief commercial officer of Virgin Australia.

“Investing in our distribution and retailing capability is crucial to enable a modern airline retailing strategy that’s fit for purpose for today, tomorrow and for the longer term. We’re pleased to be partnering with Sabre as our NDC IT technology provider, so we can take a clear step forward in our retailing and distribution evolution.”

This is the latest step in Virgin Australia and Sabre’s long-standing, strategic relationship. The carrier recently announced it had chosen two new solutions from Sabre’s Retail Intelligence suite, while it also renewed its multi-year Sabre distribution agreement that includes the future addition of NDC content.

“We’re thrilled to continue to enhance our relationship with Virgin Australia,” said Kathy Morgan, vice president, product management, distribution experiences of Sabre Travel Solutions.

“NDC is a key priority for Sabre and the global travel industry because it lays the groundwork for future airline retailing based on Offers and Orders.

“What is important for Virgin Australia is Sabre will be supporting both the IT and distribution sides of the NDC equation for the airline, giving them a holistic set of solutions and a clear NDC roadmap for the future.”