Kenya Airways has partnered with Sabre Corporation and travel technology firm Branchspace to replace its core reservations and ticketing system and introduce a new digital commerce platform aimed at modernising how passengers book, manage and experience travel, the airline said in a statement dated September 22, 2026.

According to the press release, Sabre (NASDAQ: SABR) will replace the platform that has handled Kenya Airways’ bookings, inventory and airport check-in for more than two decades. Branchspace will build the customer-facing digital commerce layer that will be delivered jointly with the Sabre platform. The companies said the changes are intended to support more tailored fare and ancillary options, easier bundling of trip components, a smoother mobile and digital booking experience and faster airport check-in.

The upgrade includes Sabre Mosaic as the airline’s new operational and commercial backbone. The release said the system will incorporate Mosaic Offer Optimisation, which uses continuous learning and dynamic pricing to match offers to traveller demand. Branchspace’s Triplake platform will become Kenya Airways’ primary digital touchpoint “from day one,” giving commercial teams direct control over personalised offers across booking channels while the airline transitions toward an offer-and-order infrastructure.

The shift is part of a broader trend among airlines globally to modernise passenger service systems (PSS) and retailing tools, as carriers seek to increase direct sales, improve self-service and better manage operational disruptions. In the Kenyan market, where competition for both regional and intercontinental traffic is intensifying, upgrades to booking and servicing platforms can affect conversion rates, distribution costs and the ability to sell higher-margin ancillaries such as seat selection and extra baggage.

Kenya Airways’ Chief Commercial and Customer Officer Julius Thairu said the programme is intended to strengthen customer experience and staff tools as the airline modernises its retailing model. “This is an important transformation of Kenya Airways' technology and digital retailing capabilities. The combination of digital commerce and a new PSS foundation will help us create a more flexible and personalised experience for our customers and staff, and enable a seamless transition towards the future of airline retailing,” Thairu said, according to the press release.

Sabre’s Chief Commercial Officer, Airline Technology, Niklas Andréen, said the agreement reflects demand for modular airline technology that can be rolled out in stages. “I'm incredibly proud that Kenya Airways has chosen Sabre as its strategic technology partner as it upgrades its core systems and advances toward the next generation of travel retailing,” Andréen said. “This decision reflects growing confidence in modular technology that enables carriers to unlock value today while building toward an offer-and-order future.”

Branchspace Chief Technology Officer David Turton said the Triplake platform is expected to give the airline more control over offer creation and retailing across channels. “Technology that gives airlines control over their own commercial destiny, supported with know-how and continuous innovation to remain at the cutting edge. Kenya Airways is taking a bold step in their transformation to a modern retailer, and we're proud that our capabilities will be central to making that vision real from day one,” Turton said.

Kenya Airways said the move aligns the airline with the International Air Transport Association’s New Distribution Capability (NDC) standards, which are designed to support richer airline content and more flexible retailing through modern distribution. The press release also said Sabre’s modular approach would allow Kenya Airways to modernise in stages rather than through a single cutover.

While Kenya Airways did not disclose the value of the contracts or an implementation timeline, the airline said the partnerships support its ambitions to grow its network and increase direct sales and ancillary revenue. The next milestones are expected to include phased deployment of the new reservations, ticketing, digital commerce and airport servicing capabilities as the carrier progresses toward an offer-and-order operating model.