UNA Goes Global on Sabre GDS, Unveils Major Expansion Plans

United Nigeria Airlines (UNA), in a landmark stride towards international expansion, has joined the Global Distribution System (GDS) of renowned travel technology giant, Sabre Corporation.

The milestone partnership was formally announced at a press conference held at the airline’s Lagos office on Friday, in the presence of key industry stakeholders including executives from Sabre and the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA).

This groundbreaking move makes UNA the second Nigerian airline to be listed on Sabre’s global distribution network, aside Arik Air which joined in October last year, granting it access to over 50,000 travel agencies in more than 200 countries.

The development places the airline in a strategic position to distribute its flight inventory on a global scale, boosting visibility and positioning it for regional and intercontinental expansion.

Addressing journalists during the announcement, Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, disclosed that the GDS integration is a major step in the airline’s international growth plan.

He revealed that UNA is acquiring four wide-bodied aircraft by November 2025 and an additional six Boeing 737-800 jets by February 2026 to meet anticipated demand.

“This is the first Nigerian airline on GDS. We are the first to go global,” Professor Okonkwo declared. “With over 50,000 agencies on the Sabre network and coverage in more than 200 countries, we must increase our capacity. We need more seats to sell. By this time next year, we would have significantly expanded – some aircraft through outright purchase and others by lease.”

Okonkwo added that the airline’s inaugural regional flight will launch to Accra, Ghana, on 25 August 2025, with plans underway to scale further across Africa, Europe, the Middle East and North America. Target cities include Johannesburg, Dakar, Dubai, London, and New York. On the domestic front, routes to Jos, Maiduguri and Bauchi are also in the pipeline.

Sabre’s leadership, equally enthusiastic about the partnership, emphasised the airline’s new position in the global travel ecosystem.

Mr Olayiwola Dare, Vice President, Sales and Strategy for Sabre Corporation, said the platform’s extensive reach would deliver exponential exposure for United Nigeria Airlines.

“At Sabre, we are committed to ensuring our technical capability is seamlessly implemented with United Nigeria Airlines,” Dare said. “This partnership gives UNA access to all travel management companies – Shell, Chevron, Total and more – anywhere in the world. United Nigeria is now accessible globally.”

The GDS deal means that travel agents across continents can now shop and book UNA’s fares in real time. This digital distribution capability is critical for the airline’s commercial ambitions.

Alessandro Ciancimino, Vice President of Airline Distribution, EMEA, Sabre, echoed the sentiment: “By joining the Sabre travel marketplace, United Nigeria Airlines is unlocking new opportunities for revenue and growth while increasing access to their content for travel agents worldwide.”

Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer of United Nigeria Airlines, Mazi Osita Okonkwo, described the partnership as a “significant milestone” in the airline’s journey, signalling its evolution from a domestic carrier into a global player.

“This agreement supports our growth strategy, enhances our visibility, and enables travel agents globally to seamlessly shop and book our fares,” he said. “We look forward to welcoming more travellers through this new partnership.”

Sabre’s advanced technology will also empower travel agents to build dynamic, tailored itineraries for clients, driving customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.

From real-time inventory management to data analytics and dynamic pricing, the Sabre platform offers UNA powerful tools to compete in a demanding market.

Mr Joshua Olowo, President of Sabre Central and West Africa, added: “This partnership aligns with our goal to help local carriers reach broader markets, increase revenue opportunities, and serve travellers better through world-class technology.”

Since its inception in 2021, United Nigeria Airlines has emerged as one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing domestic carriers, flying to major cities such as Abuja, Lagos, Enugu, Port Harcourt, Owerri, Asaba, Anambra, Kano, Warri, Katsina, Sokoto, Bayelsa, and Benin.

Now poised for international dominance, UNA is leveraging the GDS platform to fulfil its long-term vision of becoming a global airline with strong African roots.
Why GDS Matters
A Global Distribution System (GDS) is a critical technology platform in aviation, used by travel agencies worldwide to access and book airline tickets, hotel rooms, car rentals, and other travel services. For airlines, GDS participation brings immense benefits:

Global Reach: Enables access to a vast international network of travel agencies and online platforms.

Increased Revenue: Facilitates real-time sales across time zones, boosting bookings and revenue.

Corporate Access: Connects airlines to high-value corporate clients via travel management companies.

Dynamic Pricing and Analytics: Offers tools for inventory control, price optimisation, and performance insights.

Cost Efficiency: Reduces the need for physical offices, cutting distribution costs.

In essence, by joining Sabre GDS, United Nigeria Airlines is not just selling tickets – it is selling a vision of connectivity, accessibility, and growth. It is a declaration of intent to put Nigeria firmly on the global aviation map.

As the sky opens wider for United Nigeria Airlines, one thing is clear: the airline is no longer just united by name – but united with the world.