United Nigeria Airlines has entered into a major distribution agreement with Sabre Central and West Africa, a joint venture partner of the global travel technology company, Sabre Corporation.
The partnership marks the airline’s first collaboration with a global distribution system (GDS), opening a new chapter in its growth journey by making its fares and inventory accessible to travel agents around the world.
The deal will enable United Nigeria Airlines to leverage Sabre’s expansive global travel marketplace, connecting with a wider network of travel sellers and boosting its visibility beyond Nigeria.
Travel agents using Sabre’s platform will now be able to seamlessly shop and book flights on the Nigeria-based airline, supporting its expansion plans across West Africa and into international markets.
“This agreement marks a significant milestone for us,” said Mazi Osita Okonkwo, Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of United Nigeria Airlines.
“By joining a global travel marketplace for the first time, we are broadening our reach and creating more opportunities to connect with travelers across the globe. This aligns perfectly with our long-term growth strategy and helps position us for the international stage.”
Sabre executives also hailed the partnership as a strategic move that will help unlock new revenue streams and improve access to content for travel sellers.
“We are proud to support United Nigeria Airlines as it takes this important step,” said Alessandro Ciancimino, Sabre’s Vice President of Airline Distribution for EMEA.
“Sabre’s technology will empower the airline to scale efficiently and better serve the evolving needs of travelers.”
Echoing the sentiment, President of Sabre Central and West Africa, Dr
Gbenga Olowo described the agreement as a win for both parties.
“We are excited to welcome United Nigeria Airlines to our growing portfolio of airline partners”.
“This collaboration strengthens our mission to support regional carriers in accessing broader markets and enhancing passenger experience through advanced technology.”
Since its launch in 2021, United Nigeria Airlines has steadily grown its footprint across Nigeria, flying to major cities such as Abuja, Lagos, Enugu, Port Harcourt, Kano, and Benin.
With plans underway to expand to more domestic destinations including Jos, Maiduguri, and Bauchi, the airline is also gearing up for its first regional flight to Accra, Ghana, scheduled for August 25, 2025.
Internationally, the carrier has set its sights on key destinations including the United Kingdom, the United States, United Arab Emirates, Johannesburg, and Dakar, among others, underscoring its ambitions to become a significant player in African and intercontinental aviation.
The Sabre agreement is expected to significantly strengthen United Nigeria Airlines’ commercial capability, positioning it to better compete in both regional and international markets.
