In a bold move for the aviation market, PLAY Airlines, the Icelandic low-cost carrier has signed a multi-year distribution agreement with Sabre Corporation. This partnership will help PLAY to expand its presence in major markets, including the Nordics, the US, and Canada. By using Sabre’s extensive travel agency network, PLAY aims to grow and offer more choices to its travelers serving as a gateway for both North America and Europe.
New Transatlantic connections
PLAY Airlines known for its contemporary all-Airbus fleet, currently connects passengers to up to forty destinations across North America and Europe. However, the addition of new flights to Aalborg, Denmark scheduled to start next summer as well as the recent inclusion of Toronto and Washington DC in North America marks a new era for the carrier that offers more air travel options. Alessandro Ciancimino, vice president for airline distribution at Sabre added:
“Partnering with Sabre is a significant milestone for us as we expand our footprint in the North American and European markets. Sabre’s strong agency network in these regions will play a crucial role in driving sales and enhancing our visibility to new audiences.”
Hence, by integrating PLAY’s offerings into Sabre’s Global Distribution System (GDS), travel agencies will gain access to a range of low-cost flight options for various destinations. Sabre’s important network will also be vital for boosting sales and increasing its exposure to new customers in the Nordics, the United States, and Canada.
PLAY’s NETWORK EXPANSION
It is also worth mentioning that PLAY Airlines recently reported a route extension further than John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport. It also announced a new service to Faro, Portugal via Iceland commencing during spring. This aligns with Sabre’s continuous investments in diverse content and capacities showcasing its commitment to addressing the increasing challenges of content fragmentation. Thus, as PLAY and Sabre successfully agreed on a partnership some questions arise: Will other low-cost carriers embark on similar agreements to increase their profit? Will PLAY benefit from this expansion or new operational challenges will occur?
