New five-year deal renews full content availability in the GDS and leverages Sabre’s leading technology portfolio
SOUTHLAKE, TEXAS – Sabre Corporation has renewed its distribution agreement with Alaska Airlines to continue providing full content through the Sabre Travel Network global distribution system (GDS). This five-year deal also includes the expansion and integration of Sabre's leading technology portfolio at the airline, extending Alaska's passenger services system – SabreSonic Customer Sales & Service – as well as Revenue Optimizer, Revenue Integrity and Sabre's Market Intelligence solution.
By allowing travel agencies to access their full range of content and services in the GDS, Alaska Airlines reinforces the value of Sabre's travel marketplace, which plays an important role in facilitating the marketing and sale of airfares to more than 425,000 travel agents and thousands of corporations around the world. This holistic distribution strategy enables Sabre to act as a technology provider that enables both direct and indirect channels, giving travelers the freedom to purchase tickets and ancillaries wherever they prefer.
"Renewing and strengthening our distribution and technology partnership with Sabre enables Alaska Airlines to extend our brand, enhance our merchandising capabilities and offer guests more options in a competitive environment," said Shane Tackett, Alaska Airlines' senior vice president of revenue management and e-commerce.
As a result of this deal, Sabre and Alaska Airlines' tenured partnership will continue to grow. The companies will move forward together to be on the forefront of travel technology. This contract renewal and expansion not only reinforces the value of the GDS but also demonstrates Alaska Airlines' focus on providing choice and transparency for their travelers.
"This new long-term agreement was the result of collaboration and focus on our common objectives of strengthening operations and driving efficiency through innovative technology," said Wade Jones, president, Sabre Travel Network. "Sabre will deliver the most relevant merchandising capabilities possible through the GDS."
Sabre Corporation elects Herve Couturier to its Board of Directors
Sabre Corporation also announced that Herve Couturier, President of Kerney Partners, was elected to its board of directors, effective Dec. 11, 2017.
Couturier served as Executive Vice President, R&D, at Amadeus from 2012 to 2016. Prior to that, he was Executive Vice President of SAP AG's Technology Group and Head of Research.
At Sabre, Couturier will serve as chair of the technology committee of the board of directors.
"Herve brings deep industry and relevant technology experience to Sabre's board of directors," said Larry Kellner, chairman of the board. "His leadership as the chair of the technology committee will add valuable experience and expertise to the board. I want to express my gratitude to Joe Osnoss for his leadership as the chair of the technology committee since 2014 and look forward to his continued service as a valued member of that committee."
Sabre President and CEO Sean Menke added, "Herve's key perspectives, insights and experience make him a great addition as we continue to shape and execute our future technology objectives and strategy."
Sabre also announced that, as planned, Larry Kellner, currently executive chairman, will return to his prior position of non-executive chairman of the board, effective Dec. 31, 2017. Mr. Kellner was named executive chairman on an interim basis effective Dec. 31, 2016 concurrently with the promotion of Sean Menke to president and CEO.
Sabre further announced that in connection with Kellner's return to his role as an independent chairman of the board, the board will not maintain a separate lead independent director and accordingly Karl Peterson will no longer serve in that position, also effective Dec. 31, 2017. Mr. Peterson will continue to serve on Sabre's board of directors, including serving on the compensation, governance and nominating, and executive committees.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
