Air India has announced the re-establishment of its relationship with software and technology company Sabre for global distribution, network planning and consulting. The airline has signed a new multi-year deal with the tech giant to support its ambitious growth plans of strengthening its position in both India’s domestic market as well as globally.


Multi-year deal

Air India and leading software and technology provider Sabre have signed a new distribution agreement that will let travel agents and corporations around the world access Air India fares and seats through Sabre’s extensive global travel marketplace.

Air India Boeing 787 Landing In Frankfurt

Photo: Vytautas Kielaitis / Shutterstock

The airline is in the middle of a significant transformation and is embracing all the latest technologies to advance its plans. Air India will see hundreds of planes join its fleet over the next few years, and an enhanced relationship with Sabre will allow it to continue having access to Sabre’s vast global network of travel agents and other businesses. Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial & Transformation Officer, Air India, commented,

“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.”

Consultancy service

Air India’s deal with Sabre goes beyond a global distribution agreement. The airline is also excited to work hand-in-hand with Sabre’s consultancy team on the development of a clean-sheet, long-term network plan. Through this, Air India hopes to get the flexibility to develop a more optimal schedule for operational efficiency, increased reliability, enhanced revenue, and traveller satisfaction.

Air India Boeing 787

Photo: Soos Jozsef/Shutterstock

The carrier takes Sabre’s assistance for 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. Roshan Mendis, Chief Commercial Officer, Sabre Travel Solutions, commented,

“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. And, our travel agency partners in India and around the world will gain greatly from having access to Air India’s products and services.”

Transformative steps

The latest announcement comes shortly after Air India revealed some of the changes that have taken place or are underway in its attempt to modernize its digital systems solutions. The airline has invested $200 million to update its digital systems, including its website and mobile app.

Air India Airbus A319

Photo: Nicolas Economou/Shutterstock

Some of the changes in the customer-facing and employee-related processes include a ChatGPT-driven chatbot, in-flight-entertainment system modernization, secure digital workplace tools, employee engagement and self-service portals, mobile devices for pilots, cabin crew, and airport operations crew, among others.

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  • Tom Boon-200

    Air India

    IATA/ICAO Code:
    AI/AIC

    Airline Type:
    Full Service Carrier

    Hub(s):
    Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport

    Year Founded:
    1946

    Alliance:
    Star Alliance

    CEO:
    Campbell Wilson

    Country:
    India

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