Sabre Travel Network has signed a full-content agreement to distribute VIM Avia fares, schedules and inventory.

The deal means more than 350,000 travel agents connected to the Sabre global distribution system will be guaranteed access to all of VIM’s seats and fare classes.

Alexey Mamin, VIM’s deputy commercial director, said: “VIM recognises the value of Sabre and its innovative leadership in helping airlines market and sell products to millions of travellers worldwide

“Distributing our fares through Sabre is, therefore, an important part of our ongoing growth strategy.

“Working with Sabre is important for our business in the Russian market, and gives us a global reach that will help drive our business to the next level.”

VIM joins a growing list of more than 400 airlines that have chosen the GDS to sell to travel agencies. Sabre recently announced agreements with easyJet and Saudi Arabian Airlines.

Anastasia Lavrenyuk, Sabre’s commercial director in Russia, said: “Sabre is the world’s most efficient, cost-effective travel marketplace and VIM joins the many global airlines that understand the GDS as an important source of revenue and growth.

“Sabre invests hundreds of millions of pounds every year in technology to help airlines grow their businesses and provide agencies with an efficient and transparent platform to sell air travel to their customers.

“This agreement gives our agency customers greater choice and relevant content throughout the regions.”