After those in flights and maintenance support, Russia gets another jump in GDS as Saber Aeroflot cancels distribution deal with Ettravelworld

After flight bans and various sanctions and twists in the aviation industry and from Airbus, maintenance shutdowns from Boeing and Airbus, and leading software and technology company Saber Corporation has decided to cancel the largest government-majority distribution agreement in Russia. This means that Aeroflot flight content will be removed from Saber’s global distribution system (GDS). Saber’s software is essential for the large Russian carrier and will be used by the airline’s flights, travel agencies, travel agencies and corporations, book and service flight reservations.

Saber, who made the announcement, said in a statement that Aeroflot is taking immediate steps to remove flight content from the GDS. “Saber is following the evolving situation in Ukraine with increasing concern. Our primary focus from the beginning has been the safety of our team members in the affected area, as well as the safety of our work to support the much-needed relief efforts,” said Sean Menke, CEO, Saber.

He also gave an update on the resumption of travel, with a rapid acceleration in bookings such as Covid case counts and restrictions. It is on pace for PACE global GDS bookings in February to reach a similar level of recovery in PACE November 2019 versus the same period in 2019.

It further added that the company will continue to monitor the ongoing situation and will assess whether additional measures will need to be taken into account, including legal considerations and any countermeasures that may be implemented in response. “We stand against this military conflict. In addition, with the sanctions imposed on Russia, today with Aeroflot, he also noted Saber’s support of humanitarian programs in the region for exemplary work in conflict zones and supporting internally displaced persons. Saber has approximately 1,500 team members in Poland. Funds donated by Saber, among other materials, much-needed food, hygiene products and sleeping bags, will be used by the Polish Red Cross and It will support the provision of medical assistance to asylum seekers in Poland.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the European Union would close its airspace to Russian-registered or “Russian-operated aircraft, including private jets of oligarchs.” Meanwhile, Canada’s Transport Minister Omar al-Gababra said the country was closing its airspace to all Russian aircraft in order to be held accountable for an impending attack on its nation’s neighbor.

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