Norwegian targets global business travel growth with Sabre

-- Carrier makes flights and fares, including ancillaries, available to travel agents

OSLO, Norway, Jan. 31, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Sabre Travel Network, a global technology company serving travel agencies and suppliers, has signed a multi-year agreement with Norwegian to sell its fares, schedules and inventory to Sabre-connected travel agencies.

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As part of the agreement, travel agents will be able to shop for and book tickets that include ancillary services offered by the carrier, including on-board meals and up to two checked bags.

The deal with Sabre is part of Norwegian's long-term growth strategy that includes entry in to the North American marketplace.

Lars Sande, sales director for Norwegian said: "This agreement with Sabre, and the global reach it provides, will help distribute our product into new markets. The agency channel will play a crucial role in our ability to provide a first-rate travel experience at affordable prices to the broadest possible customer base. It will also allow agencies and travel management companies to efficiently shop and book our bundled fares."

Harald Eisenaecher, senior vice president for Sabre EMEA, said: "Norwegian's importance among European corporations and business travellers has been growing in recent years.

"Sabre aims to play a pivotal role in the airline's future by making its fares, ancillaries and schedules available to our global travel agency community and helping drive revenue from the corporate market. We will continue to invest in the products and services that low-cost carriers, such as Norwegian, need to grow their international businesses.

"This deal is also a crucial development for Sabre as we continually strive to bolster the low-cost airline content available for our travel agency customers."

Norwegian joins a growing list of more than 400 airlines that have chosen the Sabre GDS to sell to travel agencies, including low-cost carriers such as easyJet, Germanwings, Kulula and FlyDubai.

Sabre Travel Network provides technology services to the travel industry. It operates the world's largest travel marketplace, connecting travel buyers and sellers through the Sabre global distribution system (GDS).  Its innovative technology connects 350,000 travel agents to more than 400 airlines, 100,000 hotels, 25 car rental brands, 50 rail providers, 13 cruise lines and other global travel suppliers. More than $100 billion of travel is purchased through this marketplace annually. 

Sabre Travel Network is part of Sabre Holdings, a global travel technology company serving the world's largest industry- travel and tourism.  For more information please visit: www.sabretravelnetwork.com.

MEDIA CONTACT
Martin Ferguson
Sabre Holdings
Tel: +44 20 8538 8576
Mob: +44 7740 409 440
martin.ferguson@sabre.com