The Impact of Turkish Airlines Decision to Stop Using Sabre GDS

Turkish Airlines made a significant announcement that starting September 1st, their fares will no longer be available for booking in the Sabre Global Distribution System (GDS). This decision has sparked a debate between the airline and Sabre regarding their inability to come to a content agreement.

Both parties seem to be pointing fingers at each other for the failure to reach mutually beneficial terms. Turkish Airlines’ general manager for Los Angeles and Denver, Cemal Kaya, expressed disappointment in Sabre’s lack of reciprocity despite the airline’s willingness to continue participating in the GDS under similar conditions as with other partner systems. On the other hand, Sabre stated that despite their efforts, they were unable to come to an agreement with Turkish Airlines, leading to the airline’s decision to sever ties with Sabre.

Turkish Airlines has disclosed plans to launch its New Distribution Capability (NDC) program, known as TK Connect, in October. As part of this program, the airline intends to impose surcharges for legacy GDS bookings and remove certain low-fare content from these systems. Turkish’s NDC content will be accessible to travel advisors using Amadeus, Travelport, and other third-party aggregators, as well as through direct connect and a proprietary booking portal.

Amadeus and Travelport, two other major GDS providers, have not provided updates on their content agreements with Turkish Airlines. Reports suggest that negotiations are ongoing between Amadeus and Turkish Airlines for a new content agreement. Travel Weekly has reached out to Travelport for updates on the status of their agreement with the airline. Despite the rift between Turkish Airlines and Sabre, both parties have expressed a desire to reach an agreement to restore the airline’s flight inventory within Sabre’s GDS.

Turkish Airlines’ decision to end its partnership with Sabre in booking their fares has significant implications for the airline industry and travel advisors. The shift towards NDC programs and direct connectivity reflects a broader trend towards airline distribution channels. It remains to be seen how this decision will impact the relationship between Turkish Airlines and other GDS providers in the long run.