United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) has entered a strategic distribution agreement with global travel technology giant, Sabre Corporation, marking a major leap in its international expansion plans. The deal connects UNA to over 50,000 Sabre-connected travel agents across 200 countries, significantly boosting its global visibility and sales reach.
Announced at UNA’s Lagos office, the airline’s Chairman, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, emphasized the significance of this development in advancing UNA’s ambition to go global. “This partnership is a game-changer for us. With Sabre, over 50,000 agents in 200 countries can now access and book our fares. It supports our growth strategy and helps us reach more travellers worldwide,” he said.
Okonkwo also revealed that the airline will commence its first regional route to Accra, Ghana, on August 25, 2025. Looking ahead, UNA plans to increase its capacity by over 2,000% within a year. Between October and November 2025, it will induct at least four wide-body aircraft into its fleet, followed by the addition of six Boeing 737-800NGs between February and April 2026.
“Despite the turbulence in Nigeria’s aviation sector over the last few years, we are not giving up. We’re strengthening our domestic operations and positioning UNA for regional, continental, and intercontinental routes,” Okonkwo added.
This agreement also positions UNA as the third Nigerian airline to join the Global Distribution System (GDS), reinforcing its technological evolution and commitment to innovation.
Sabre executives underscored the impact of the partnership. Alessandro Ciancimino, VP Airline Distribution (EMEA), stated: “By joining the Sabre marketplace, United Nigeria Airlines is unlocking new revenue opportunities and expanding access to global travellers.”
Joshua Olowo, President of Sabre Central and West Africa, noted that the deal aligns with Sabre’s mission to help local carriers scale efficiently and meet evolving traveller needs using world-class technology.
Dr. Olayiwola Dare, VP of Sabre Travel Central and West Africa, added that UNA will now benefit from Sabre’s full suite of IT solutions, including Artificial Intelligence-powered tools that enhance service delivery to customers and travel agents.
Sabre’s Director for Africa and Europe, Robert Brian, praised UNA for embracing global integration. “Now, agencies from Tokyo to New York can access United Nigeria flights. This reflects Nigeria’s aviation progress and the airline’s readiness for the future,” he said.
With designations to the UK, USA, UAE, Johannesburg, Dakar, and more, this Sabre partnership marks a turning point in UNA’s quest to become a formidable player in regional and international aviation.
