BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
United Nigeria Airlines has announced a major distribution agreement with Sabre Central and West Africa, a joint venture of global travel technology leader Sabre Corporation.
The partnership marks the airline’s first integration with a global travel marketplace, opening its fares and inventory to thousands of Sabre-connected travel agents across the globe.
Mazi Osita Okonkwo, Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of United Nigeria Airlines, who made the disclosure in a statement said that through the strategic collaboration, the Nigerian flag carrier is positioning itself for broader market penetration, improved visibility and accelerated growth across Nigeria, West Africa, and beyond.
“Choosing Sabre marks a significant milestone in United Nigeria Airlines’ journey.
“For the first time, we are making our product available through a global travel marketplace, giving us the opportunity to broaden our reach and connect with travelers around the world. This agreement supports our growth strategy, enhances our visibility, and enables travel agents globally to seamlessly shop and book our fares. We look forward to welcoming more travelers through this new partnership”, he explained.
With the partnership, travel agents will now be able to access United Nigeria Airlines’ content via the Sabre global distribution system (GDS), which is expected to boost the airline’s commercial capabilities and unlock new revenue opportunities.
“At Sabre, we’re committed to helping carriers of all sizes scale efficiently and better serve the needs of today’s travelers.
“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”, said the Vice President, Airline Distribution, EMEA, Sabre, Alessandro Ciancimino.
The agreement also equips United Nigeria Airlines with enhanced tools to support itinerary customization, dynamic pricing, and targeted distribution strategies.
“We are excited to welcome United Nigeria Airlines to the Sabre marketplace as our newest airline partner.
“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”, said Joshua Olowo, President of Sabre Central and West Africa.
Launched in 2021, United Nigeria Airlines has swiftly expanded its domestic footprint, now serving major Nigerian cities including Abuja, Lagos, Enugu, Port Harcourt, Owerri, Asaba, Anambra, Kano, Warri, Katsina, Sokoto, Bayelsa and Benin.
The airline is also preparing for international operations with planned routes to the United Kingdom, United States, United Arab Emirates, Johannesburg, and Dakar, among others. Its first regional service—to Accra, Ghana—is scheduled to commence on August 25, 2025. Domestically, new destinations such as Jos, Maiduguri, and Bauchi are in the pipeline.
With this new Sabre-powered distribution channel, United Nigeria Airlines is not only enhancing its global visibility but also ushering in a new phase of commercial agility and customer accessibility.
Sabre Corporation is a leading global travel technology company that tackles the industry’s most complex challenges through innovation and scale.
Headquartered in Southlake, Texas, Sabre empowers airlines, hoteliers, travel agencies, and partners to retail, distribute, and fulfill travel globally. Serving customers in over 160 countries, Sabre continues to build the future of travel technology today.
