United Airlines and Sabre renew global distribution agreement

Oct 14, 2022 | Business

SOUTHLAKE, Texas – WEBWIRE –



Sabre Corporation (NASDAQ: SABR), a leading software and technology provider powering the global travel industry, today announced the renewal of its multi-year distribution agreement with United Airlines. The long-term agreement ensures that Sabre-connected travel agents will have access to United’s content globally while enabling the airline to extend its reach in Sabre’s valuable network of global travel buyers and intermediaries.


“We are happy to continue our relationship with Sabre and renew our distribution agreement to promote our growing portfolio of products and services through Sabre’s travel marketplace,” said Dave Bartels, vice president of revenue management & distribution at United Airlines.


Under the new agreement, United will continue distributing its content to the large network of travel agents and corporations worldwide connected to Sabre’s global distribution system (GDS). United and Sabre will continue to collaborate to deliver NDC-enabled capabilities supporting the airline’s modern retailing vision.


“We are delighted to continue our long-standing relationship with United Airlines. Together, we will collaborate on ways to leverage Sabre technology and solutions to help the airline achieve its vision for modern retailing,” said Roshan Mendis, chief commercial officer, Sabre Travel Solutions. “Our agreement underscores Sabre’s commitment to meeting the unique needs of our airline customers while also meeting travel buyers’ need for efficient end-to-end workflows, choice, and transparency.”


Sabre continues to focus on developing new technology that supports retailing, distribution, and fulfillment solutions for travel suppliers, buyers and consumers to enjoy more relevant and comprehensive travel solutions.




About Sabre Corporation


Sabre Corporation is a leading software and technology company that powers the global travel industry, serving a wide range of travel companies including airlines, hoteliers, travel agencies and other suppliers. The company provides retailing, distribution and fulfillment solutions that help its customers operate more efficiently, drive revenue and offer personalized traveler experiences. Through its leading travel marketplace, Sabre connects travel suppliers with buyers from around the globe. Sabre’s technology platform manages more than $260B worth of global travel spend annually. Headquartered in Southlake, Texas, USA, Sabre serves customers in more than 160 countries around the world. For more information visit www.sabre.com.

Middle East Airlines adopts SITA’s cloud-based baggage reconciliation system to boost efficiency at Rafic Hariri International Airport – Beirut

Oct 3, 2022 | Business

Agile cloud systems that increase operational efficiency and reliability have helped expand the airport’s capacity to handle nine million bags per year.

Beirut – WEBWIRE –



SITA and Middle East Airlines–Air Liban (MEA) have renewed a technology contract and moved the airport’s baggage reconciliation system (BRS) at Rafic Hariri International Airport – Beirut to the cloud, increasing operational efficiency. This technology will significantly reduce operational costs for the airport and airline, with the server-less design avoiding on-site interventions to refresh, upgrade, maintain, and support multiple obsolete devices, such as servers.  


By installing SITA’s Bag Manager cloud solution, the airport will be able to process around nine million bags per year compared to three million bags in previous years without any significant equipment investment. Airports globally are looking to increase the volume of passengers and capacity and regain lost revenues from the pandemic, with baggage handling presenting a significant obstacle to overcome.


The cloud-based technology solution will be pivotal in reducing the number of mishandled bags and supporting quick repatriation of mishandled ones, leading to higher customer satisfaction and decreased costs. SITA Bag Manager tracks every bag loaded onto an aircraft, a unit load device (ULD), or a cart. It scans and evaluates the characteristics of each bag against the flight parameters to ensure bags are loaded onto the right aircraft.


The SITA Baggage IT Insights 2022 report revealed that the global mishandled baggage rate increased by 24% to 4.35 bags per thousand passengers in 2021 as the industry recovered from the pandemic, primarily impacted by the quick resumption of international travel and reduced workforces.


Dr. Adib Charif, Head of IT, MEA, said: “SITA has been the provider of BRS at Rafic Hariri International Airport – Beirut since 2009, and we’re excited to continue our technology partnership with this next stage of our digitalization program. By moving a server-based system to the cloud, we’ve cut down on cumbersome operation procedures, eliminated regular maintenance costs, and freed up resources to focus on other essential services. We’re committed to giving passengers a seamless passenger journey and leading the way in the region during the industry recovery”.


Hani El Asaad, President, Middle East & Africa SITA, said: “We’ve seen a global trend in the rate of mishandled bags increasing in line with the rapid resumption of international travel. Technology holds the solutions to the challenges our industry is facing during this transformative post-pandemic period, where airports and airlines need to achieve more with less. We’re excited to partner again with MEA to deliver a smart and agile cloud-based solution to overcome these hurdles, increase operational efficiency and boost passenger confidence.” 


MEA is the flag carrier of Lebanon and represents around 40% of the traffic at the airport. Middle East Airline Ground Handing (MEAG, a subsidiary of MEA) represents 80% of the baggage processing at the airport, while the remaining 20% is handled by The Lebanese Air Transport (LAT, the ground handlers), which also installed SITA’s cloud-based BRS.


Integration with other SITA baggage solutions such as Bag Journey and WorldTracer further helps to reduce the number of mishandled baggage and quickly repatriate any mishandled ones.

OMV and Austrian Airlines are taking off with Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Dec 4, 2021 | Business



For the first time ever, OMV and Austrian Airlines (AUA) are producing and using regional Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in Austria. The two companies agreed on the production and fueling of 1,500 metric tons of SAF in the coming year 2022.


The sustainable fuel is produced at the OMV Schwechat Refinery by co-processing Austrian used cooking oil in the fuel production process. This approach makes the entire production chain as regional as possible and keeps transport routes to a minimum. Compared to conventional kerosene, SAF makes for a CO2 reduction of more than 80% over the entire lifecycle. One technical key advantage of the sustainable aviation fuel is that the existing infrastructure can be used for storage and refueling. With the direct pipeline connection to the Vienna International Airport, SAF will be available for fueling Austrian Airlines aircraft as of March 2022.


The use of 1,500 metric tons of SAF by Austrian Airlines will save around 3,750 metric tons of CO2. This compares to the CO2 emissions of 333 Vienna-London flights with a typical short to medium-haul AUA aircraft (Airbus A320). The additional costs for Sustainable Aviation Fuel are financed with the support of environmentally conscious passengers. All Austrian Airlines customers can use the Compensaid platform to support flights with SAF and thus contribute to more sustainable air traffic.


Alfred Stern, CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board of OMV Aktiengesellschaft: “Sustainable Aviation Fuels are a key technology for a lower-carbon aviation industry. They represent a readily available, easily applicable way of reducing emissions and are equivalent to conventional fuels in terms of quality and performance. We are very serious about our role in the energy transition and

will continue to work on reducing the CO2 intensity of our portfolio in the future.”


Alexis von Hoensbroech, CEO of Austrian Airlines: “Air travel needs to become more climate friendly and sustainable fuels play the key role. We are proud to become the first Austrian airline to use these fuels in our flight operations – not only for climate protection, but also to strengthen Austria as a business location. I am pleased that we have taken the first step together with our partner OMV. Now, the task is to work with policymakers towards a location-based initiative to meet the EU blending mandates from 2025 onwards and hopefully even surpass them”.


The aviation industry is working intensively on cutting jet fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Lufthansa Group has pledged to halve its net CO2 emissions by 2030 and make its business CO2 neutral from 2050. Based on the strategic outlook for the aviation sector, OMV sees Sustainable Aviation Fuels as an important addition to its future jet fuel range alongside conventional kerosene. OMV is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and supports its customers in reducing theirs by offering more sustainable OMV products.

Southwest Airlines Commits $10 Million to Yale University to Support Climate Change Initiatives

Nov 27, 2021 | Business



Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) announced a $10 million commitment to Yale University’s Center for Natural Carbon Capture (YCNCC) to research technological advancements and find new solutions to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions. The pledge will also support research and educational efforts at the Yale School of the Environment to explore the current state of sustainability, strategy, policy, and economics, emphasizing trends related to the aviation industry and focusing on finding new ways to reduce atmospheric carbon.


“This innovative partnership gives Southwest® the opportunity to support the development of crucial science to combat climate change, including fostering innovative research aimed at informing and advancing efforts to reduce atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations,” said Stacy Malphurs, Vice President of Supply Chain Management & Environmental Sustainability for Southwest Airlines. “We recognize the importance of supporting initiatives that take a holistic approach to de-carbonization in the long-term, which aligns with the U.S. government’s goal for the aviation industry to be carbon neutral by 2050.”


Established in March 2021 with initial funding from FedEx Corporation, and taking inspiration from natural processes, YCNCC is focused on strategies for removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and safely storing it within plants, soils, rocks, and oceans. It also aims to develop methods for industrial carbon capture to convert carbon dioxide into useful fuels, plastics, and building materials.


“The climate crisis is the biggest challenge we face as a species,” says Michael Crair, Vice Provost for research at Yale. “To find solutions, we will need the very best efforts of scientists and policy experts at Yale and around the world. It’s a collaborative effort, and I am so grateful that Southwest Airlines has stepped forward to join our efforts in creating a sustainable future.”


Sustainability is a priority for Southwest, and this pledge complements its initiatives to improve environmental stewardship across the airline. Last month, Southwest announced a 10-year plan to maintain carbon neutrality to 2019 levels while continuing to grow its operations and stated its long-term goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.


Southwest will fulfill its donation through the Southwest Airlines Foundation, a corporate-advised fund within the Silicon Valley Community Foundation.


ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.

Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) operates one of the world’s most admired and awarded airlines, offering its one-of-a-kind value and Hospitality at 121 airports across eleven countries. Celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2021, Southwest took flight in 1971 to democratize the sky through friendly, reliable, low-cost air travel and now carries more air travelers flying nonstop within the United States than any other airline1. Based in Dallas and famous for an Employee-first corporate Culture, Southwest maintains an unprecedented record of no involuntary furloughs or layoffs in its history. By empowering its nearly 54,0002 People to deliver unparalleled Hospitality, the maverick airline cherishes a passionate loyalty among as many as 130 million Customers carried a year. That formula for success has brought industry-leading prosperity and 47 consecutive years3 of profitability. Southwest continues to develop tangible steps toward an environmental sustainability goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Learn more at Southwest.com/citizenship about how Southwest Airlines leverages a unique legacy and mission to serve communities around the world.


1) U.S. Dept. of Transportation most recent reporting of domestic originating passengers boarded

2) fulltime-equivalent active Employees

3) 1972-2019 annual profitability

Southwest Airlines joins Sabre providing industry-standard level of access to carrier’s low fares and network as it welcomes business travelers back to the sky

Jul 27, 2021 | Business

Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) (“Company”) today began offering flights for sale within Sabre global distribution system (GDS), the leading corporate booking channel in the US. With a rollout of the partnership now complete, Southwest Airlines® for the first time in Company history offers an ability for business travelers and travel decision makers to book Southwest and its everyday low fares at an industry-standard level of participation within all three major GDSs.

“As we bring the Southwest Effect to business travel, our number one focus continues to be removing friction when booking travel, while at the same time investing in the booking channels used most by travelers and travel decision makers,” said Dave Harvey, Vice President of Southwest Business. “Thanks to our new partnership with Sabre, we’re able to provide the ability for more organizations than ever before to quickly book and modify travel with just a few clicks. As more businesses begin to open, we look forward to welcoming more travelers back to the sky with Southwest’s famous Hospitality and Heart that sets Southwest apart within the airline industry.”

“Today, our 26 year partnership with Southwest Airlines reaches an important milestone as we launch Southwest’s air content fully integrated within the Sabre system, making it easier for travel management companies and corporations to shop, book and service Southwest flights on behalf of their business travelers,” said Andy Finkelstein, Senior Vice President of  Global Agency Sales & Corporate Solutions for Sabre Travel Solutions. “Not only does this greatly expand Southwest’s reach into the business travel segment, Sabre’s travel agency and corporate customers will experience the increased efficiency, productivity and cost-savings that comes from booking Southwest through our agency point-of-sale, Sabre Red 360 and our corporate booking solution, GetThere.”

Launched in 2019, Southwest Business set out to revolutionize the way it focuses on the business travel space by adding content to Travelport, Amadeus, and Sabre’s GDSs including settling GDS purchased tickets through Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), growing its Sales Team across the country, and enhancing the tools business travel decision makers need to manage their respective travel programs.

Learn more about how Southwest Business can be your organization’s trusted travel partner at Southwest.com/AboutBusiness.

ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO. 

In its 51st year of service, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines Co. continues to differentiate itself from other air carriers with exemplary Customer Service delivered by more than 54,000 Employees to a Customer base that topped 130 million Passengers in 2019. Southwest has a robust network of point-to-point service with a strong presence across top leisure and business markets. In peak travel seasons during 2019, Southwest operated more than 4,000 weekday departures among a network of 101 destinations in the United States and 10 additional countries. In 2020, the carrier added service to Hilo, Hawaii; Cozumel, Mexico; Miami; Palm Springs, Calif.; Steamboat Springs; and Montrose (Telluride), Colo. Thus far in 2021, Southwest has initiated service to Chicago (O’Hare) and Sarasota/Bradenton on Feb. 14; Savannah/Hilton Head and Colorado Springs on March 11; Houston (Bush) and Santa Barbara, Calif. on April 12; Fresno, Calif. on April 25; Destin/Fort Walton Beach on May 6; Myrtle Beach, S.C. on May 23; Bozeman, Mont. on May 27; and Jackson, Miss. on June 6; and will begin service to Eugene, Ore. on Aug. 29; Bellingham, Wash. on Nov. 7; and Syracuse on Nov. 14.  

The carrier issued its Southwest® Promise in May 2020 to highlight new and round-the-clock efforts to support its Customers and Employees well-being and comfort. Among the changes are enhanced cleaning efforts at airports and onboard aircraft, along with a federal mandate requiring every person to wear a mask at all times throughout each flight. Additional details about the Southwest Promise are available at Southwest.com/Promise.     

Southwest coined Transfarency® to describe its purposed philosophy of treating Customers honestly and fairly, and low fares actually staying low. Southwest is the only major U.S. airline to offer bags fly free® to everyone (first and second checked pieces of luggage, size and weight limits apply, some carriers offer free checked bags on select routes or in qualified circumstances). Southwest does not charge change fees, though fare differences might apply.   

Southwest is one of the most honored airlines in the world, known for a triple bottom line approach that contributes to the carrier’s performance and productivity, the importance of its People and the communities they serve, and an overall commitment to efficiency and the planet. Learn more about how the carrier gives back to communities across the world by visiting Southwest.com/citizenship.   

Book Southwest Airlines’ low fares online at Southwest.com or by phone at 800-I-FLY-SWA®.