United Nigeria Airlines Soars with Sabre: Wider Reach for African Travel Agents

United Nigeria Airlines has partnered with Sabre, a leading travel technology provider, marking a significant leap for the airline and opening exciting new avenues for African travel agents. This collaboration grants over 50,000 travel agents in 200 countries access to United Nigeria Airlines’ fares and inventory, dramatically expanding the airline’s global reach and creating unprecedented booking opportunities for travel professionals across Africa.

This strategic move by United Nigeria Airlines reflects its ambitious growth trajectory, which includes a robust expansion of both its domestic and international route network. The airline’s current domestic network spans key Nigerian cities such as Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, Port Harcourt, and Owerri, with plans to add more destinations like Jos, Maiduguri, and Bauchi. This extensive domestic coverage provides travel agents with a wide range of options for clients traveling within Nigeria.

Furthermore, United Nigeria Airlines is poised to launch its first regional flight to Accra, Ghana, on August 25, 2025, alongside international operations to six key destinations: the United Kingdom, United States, United Arab Emirates, South Africa, Senegal, and Ghana. This ambitious expansion into regional and international markets positions the airline as a key player in connecting Africa to the world, offering travel agents access to a growing network of lucrative routes.

The Sabre partnership is particularly beneficial for African travel agents, providing seamless access to United Nigeria Airlines’ flight information, fares, and availability through the Sabre Global Distribution System (GDS). This integration simplifies the booking process, allowing agents to efficiently search, compare, and book flights for their clients, ultimately enhancing customer service and driving sales. The expanded reach offered by Sabre’s global network enables agents to tap into new markets and cater to a wider range of travel needs.

United Nigeria Airlines’ fleet modernization plans further enhance its appeal to travel professionals. The airline currently operates a fleet of Embraer ERJ-145LR, Embraer ERJ-190, and Airbus A320-200 aircraft, with plans to acquire additional Embraer 190s, Boeing 737-800s, and wide-body aircraft for long-haul international routes. This investment in modern, comfortable aircraft demonstrates the airline’s commitment to providing a high-quality travel experience, boosting its appeal to discerning travelers and providing travel agents with a competitive product offering.

The airline’s strong operational performance, with a high flight completion rate, reinforces its reliability as a travel partner. This consistent performance provides travel agents with confidence in booking United Nigeria Airlines, knowing that their clients’ journeys are in safe and dependable hands.

By joining the Sabre GDS, United Nigeria Airlines has significantly increased its potential reach. Previously, the airline’s reach was primarily limited to the Nigerian market, with access to an estimated 500 travel agents. The Sabre partnership expands this reach to 50,000 travel agents, representing a remarkable 9,900% increase. Similarly, the airline’s market reach has broadened from a single country to 200 countries, a testament to the transformative power of this collaboration.

This partnership marks a pivotal moment for United Nigeria Airlines, transforming it from a primarily domestic carrier into a global player. The airline’s commitment to expansion, modernization, and strategic partnerships positions it for continued growth and success in the competitive aviation landscape. African travel agents are encouraged to leverage this partnership to enhance their offerings, expand their market reach, and provide their clients with access to a dynamic and growing airline.

The Sabre distribution agreement empowers United Nigeria Airlines to compete more effectively on the global stage, offering African travel agents a valuable new partner in providing seamless and efficient travel solutions for their clients. This collaboration is a win-win for both the airline and the African travel trade, promising enhanced connectivity, improved service offerings, and exciting new opportunities for growth and partnership.