Tech provider for the global travel industry Sabre, have revealed this week they have renewed their long-term partnership with Japan Airlines (JAL), first established in 2006.

The announcement comes with news that Japanese carriers JAL and All Nippon Airways (ANA) are diverting their attention from their domestic stomping grounds, to refocus on the international market. ANA is looking to reduce its local network by 3%, but will maintain their service frequency by using smaller aircraft. JAL, conversely, will grow its regional coverage by 3% as they ugrade their planes to larger aircraft, as it reduces the size of its domestic fleet.

Japan Airlines has seen robust domestic and international demand from consumers, with tourists flocking to the nation, with over 28.7 million inbound visits in 2017. The new agreement means the carrier will have the ability to to leverage Sabre’s group booking tools for the first time, boosting efficiency via Sabre’s agency network to promote its content with groups.

“Our agreement with Sabre will provide us with the innovative solutions needed to reach our objectives”

Yoriyuki Kashiwagi, senior vice president of eastern Japan and deputy general manager of division passenger sales & international passenger sales for JAL, said: “Growing our international consumer base is central to Japan Airlines’ expansion plan. We are confident that our renewed agreement with Sabre will provide us with the innovative solutions needed to reach our objectives and service our global customers.”

Rakesh Narayanan, Sabre’s vice president of air commerce, commenting on the deal said: “Sabre is proud of its ongoing partnership with Japan Airlines as they continue to grow their global footprint.”

Sabre solutions will help propel the airline to new heights of efficiency, improve profitability and enhance the guest experience. We are excited to distribute Japan Airlines’ content through Sabre’s leading global travel marketplace, the platform of choice for more than 425,000 travel agents around the world.”

Japan Airlines and Sabre have developed a strong business relationship over the years. This new, long-term agreement marks the continuation of that valued partnership between the two companies.