Sabre strikes Middle East deal with Gulf Air

Global distribution system Sabre has signed an agreement with Middle East carrier Gulf Air to create a joint venture based in Bahrain. Sabre will have a majority ownership in the new business, Sabre Travel Network Middle East, which builds on a marketing partnership the companies have had for the past 15 years. The joint venture gives Sabre a stronger presence in the Middle East and will provide technology services, bookable travel products and distribution services for travel agencies, corporations and travel suppliers in the region. “The immense challenges facing the airline industry today require a concerted collaborative effort with specialist partners in both the public and privates sectors,” said Gulf Air chief executive and president James Hogan. A spokesman for Sabre said the venture would enable it to deliver more value in a growing market. Gulf Air’s network stretches from Europe to Asia and covers 50 cities in 33 countries.