SINGAPORE and DHAKA, Bangladesh – March 7, 2023 – Sabre Corporation (NASDAQ: SABR), a leading software and technology provider that powers the global travel industry, today announced a new distribution agreement with Bangladesh start-up airline Air Astra. The Dhaka-based carrier has joined Sabre’s global distribution family to support its indirect retailing strategy as it plans for future growth.
The new deal further expands Sabre’s footprint within Bangladesh, while enabling Air Astra to sell its domestic, and future international, inventory worldwide through Sabre-connected travel agents.
“It was essential to us to have the right technology partner from the outset, with the advanced solutions we need to fulfil our domestic and global growth strategy,” said Imran Asif, Ph.D. Chief Executive Officer & Accountable Manager, Air Astra. “So, we’re thrilled to be working with Sabre to distribute our fares and inventory through Sabre’s extensive worldwide network of travel agents, enabling agents to create the travel experiences their customers want.”
Based out of Shahjalal International Airport, Air Astra first took to the skies at the end of 2022 with its inaugural domestic flights to Cox’s Bazar and Chittagong. The carrier plans a phased rollout of further domestic routes, as well as increasing its fleet size and launching international flights. Air Astra content will be available to book for Sabre-connected travel agents, who are already familiar with the Sabre Red 360 interface and its workflow and will therefore find it easy to immediately start selling the carrier’s inventory.
“It is testament to the tenacity and resilience of the aviation industry when we see start-ups who have planned their launch during the pandemic, and are now taking to the skies as recovery continues to escalate,” said Rakesh Narayanan, Vice President, Regional General Manager, Asia Pacific, Travel Solutions, Airline Sales. “We’re delighted that Air Astra has implemented Sabre’s Global Distribution System to ensure it is best positioned to take advantage of pent-up travel demand, capitalize on ongoing recovery, and fulfil its ambitious business strategy.”
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About Air Astra
Astra Airways Limited (dba ‘Air Astra’) was incorporated in Bangladesh under the Registrar of Joint-Stock Companies on July 2021. Formed to operate as a scheduled airline for passenger and cargo, Air Astra envisages to become a significant contributor to enhancing the people’s connectivity – within Bangladesh and to the world. In 2022 the airline’s fleet stands at 4 x ATR72-600 aircraft – the most modern, efficient, and eco-friendly turboprop airplane in production today – to ensure safe and timely journeys. Through 2023 the ATR72-600 fleet is planned to become 10-aircraft strong and from 2024 the airline will expand into international operations to markets with most potential yield and demand. Safety, reliability, and affordability are of top priority at Air Astra at all times, and through its endeavours Air Astra will strive to deliver exactly that…each day, every day. More information visit www.airastra.com
About Sabre Corporation
Sabre Corporation is a leading software and technology company that powers the global travel industry, serving a wide range of travel companies including airlines, hoteliers, travel agencies and other suppliers. The company provides retailing, distribution and fulfilment solutions that help its customers operate more efficiently, drive revenue and offer personalized traveler experiences. Through its leading travel marketplace, Sabre connects travel suppliers with buyers from around the globe. Sabre’s technology platform manages more than $260B worth of global travel spend annually. Headquartered in Southlake, Texas, USA, Sabre serves customers in more than 160 countries around the world. For more information visit www.sabre.com.
