Sabre Corporation has signed a new distribution agreement with Bangladesh start-up airline Air Astra. The Dhaka-based carrier has joined Sabre’s global distribution family to support its indirect retailing strategy as it plans for future growth.
The new deal further expands Sabre’s footprint within Bangladesh, while enabling Air Astra to sell its domestic and future international, inventory worldwide through Sabre-connected travel agents.
“It was essential to us to have the right technology partner from the outset, with the advanced solutions we need to fulfil our domestic and global growth strategy,” said Imran Asif, Ph.D. Chief Executive Officer & Accountable Manager, Air Astra. “So, we’re thrilled to be working with Sabre to distribute our fares and inventory through Sabre’s extensive worldwide network of travel agents, enabling agents to create the travel experiences their customers want.”
“It is testament to the tenacity and resilience of the aviation industry when we see start-ups who have planned their launch during the pandemic and are now taking to the skies as recovery continues to escalate,” said Rakesh Narayanan, Vice President, Regional General Manager, Asia Pacific, Travel Solutions, Airline Sales.
Based out of Shahjalal International Airport, Air Astra first took to the skies at the end of 2022 with its inaugural domestic flights to Cox’s Bazar and Chittagong. The carrier plans a phased rollout of further domestic routes, as well as increasing its fleet size and launching international flights.
Air Astra envisages becoming a significant contributor to enhancing people’s connectivity – within Bangladesh and to the world. In 2022 the airline’s fleet stood at four ATR72-600 aircraft to ensure safe and timely journeys. Through 2023 the ATR72-600 fleet is planned to become ten-aircraft strong and from 2024 the airline will expand into international operations to markets with most potential yield and demand.
