V Australia and Sabre Travel Network sign Distribution Agreement

V Australia, the international airline of Virgin Blue, and Sabre Travel Network, one of the world's largest global distribution systems, have signed a multi-year distribution agreement that will allow the airline's fares and inventory to be made available to all Sabre Connected travel agents worldwide.

The Sabre Travel Network distribution agreement with V Australia makes its fares available to Sabre Connected travel agencies and corporations worldwide, with premium connectivity and electronic ticketing.

V Australia will initially operate flights between the east coast of Australia and the west coast of the US, commencing operations in December 2008.

"The decision to utilize the Sabre GDS channel is important in our V Australia distribution strategy as we prepare to launch a new airline into global markets," said Brett Godfrey, chief executive officer of Virgin Blue. "We expect it will be advantageous to early sales penetration in international markets and to delivering significant booking share in key markets in the US and Australia."

The distribution agreement between Sabre Travel Network and Virgin Blue’s V Australia, adds to an already wide-ranging business relationship. Virgin Blue uses many operational solutions from Sabre Airline Solutions including, the AirFlite Suite, AirOps Suite, AirCrews management system and AirMax Revenue Manager, among others.

"Sabre and Virgin Blue have an excellent and extensive working relationship," said Hans Belle, vice president for Sabre Travel Network Asia Pacific. "We look forward to helping V Australia extend its global reach through our corporate and agency partnerships. Sabre Travel Network is uniquely qualified to help with the launch of V Australia’s US /Trans-Pacific routes as it’s in our market sweet spot."

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