Finnair will resume distributing through the Sabre GDS.
The two companies on Monday said they had come to terms on a
new distribution agreement, more than 6 months after a breakdown in talks had
caused Finnair to leave Sabre last November.
“As we ramp up our operations globally, it is imperative
that customers have choice and flexibility in booking through their preferred
direct or indirect channel,” Finnair chief commercial officer Ole Orver said in
a prepared remark. “Travel agents contribute significantly to helping people
regain the confidence to travel, which is absolutely essential for our industry
as a whole.”
After talks between the companies broke down last year,
Finnair said that it had been seeking to replace its full-content agreement
with Sabre with one that would allow it more pricing and distribution freedom
in direct channels as well as content differentiation in indirect channels.
Finnair has been vocal about its efforts to expand its use of New Distribution
Capability (NDC) and direct connects.
Monday’s announcement didn’t contain details about the terms
of new agreement. However, Sabre senior vice president of airline business
Chris Wilding hinted that the company made concessions on that issue.
Airlines, he said, want to distribute their fares and
products so that travelers can access them wherever they choose to shop.
“Sabre remains committed to helping all parties achieve
their goals. With the balanced agreement with Finnair, we are confident that
our content serves the needs of travel agents in a truly optimal way.”