United Nigeria Airlines Chooses Sabre Technology, Flies To Accra August 25

Travel agents worldwide can now shop and book United Nigeria Airlines’ product via the marketplace of Sabre Central and West Africa, a joint venture with leading global travel technology company, Sabre Corporation, which has signed a new distribution agreement with United Nigeria Airlines.

This agreement marks the airline’s first collaboration with a global distribution technology partner, enabling it to distribute its product via Sabre’s expansive global marketplace. Through the agreement, Sabre-connected travel agents worldwide will gain access to the Nigeria-based carrier’s fares and inventory, supporting United Nigeria Airlines’ ambitions for growth across Nigeria and West Africa.

“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,” said Mazi Osita Okonkwo, ED/COO United Nigeria Airlines.

“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.”

“At Sabre, we’re committed to helping carriers of all sizes scale efficiently and better serve the needs of today’s travelers,” said Alessandro Ciancimino, Vice President, Airline Distribution, EMEA, Sabre. “So, 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.”

The distribution agreement will provide United Nigeria Airlines with new tools to help maximize reach and revenue potential while empowering travel sellers to build more tailored itineraries for their clients.

“We are excited to welcome United Nigeria Airlines to the Sabre marketplace as our newest airline partner,” said Joshua Olowo, President of Sabre Central and West Africa.

“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.”

United Nigeria Airlines is about to go global with designations to United Kingdom, United States of America, United Arab Emirates; Johannesburg, and Dakar, among other African countries.  There will be further expansions on domestic routes, including Jos, Maiduguri, and Bauchi and it plans to start its first regional flight to Accra, Ghana on August 25, 2025.

Highlighting benefits of the agreement with Sabre today at a press conference held in Lagos to announce it, Chairman of the airline, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo said the airline based on this deal, is now officially Live on the Global Distribution System (GDS) and accessible to all travel channels that Sabre operates, making United Nigeria Airlines the third Nigeria registered airline on GDS and now has over 50,000 agents in different countries since Sabre has over 50,0000 travel agencies globally working in its platforms. He said the airline plans to expand its capacity by this time next year, adding that “this is one of the fastest integration that Sabre has done worldwide.” He said the integration process started since January 2025 and would be closing this June.

Okonkwo further said the airline would now be able to sell in foreign exchange and that this supports its business plan regarding code sharing and interlining.

On what informed the decision to commence Lagos-Accra flights in August 2025, Okonkwo said based on data, the Accra route has the highest traffic in the entire West African sub-region.

Since its launch in 2021, United Nigeria Airlines has rapidly expanded its operations to key cities across Nigeria, including: Abuja, Lagos, Enugu, Port Harcourt, Owerri, Asaba, Anambra, Kano, Warri, Katsina, Sokoto, Bayelsa, and Benin.

With this agreement, the airline strengthens its sales strategy, improves visibility, and enters a new phase of commercial capability.

In his remarks, Vice President, Sales, Sabre West Africa, Dr. Lanre Oladare said his company is committed to ensuring that all the clients in its travel ecosystem are profitable and will continue to invest in the technology part of travel business.