Goodbye 'DJ' - Virgin Australia Successfully Transitions to New Sabre Checking and Booking System

Virgin Australia has successfully transitioned to the new Sabre booking and check-in system across its domestic and international networks.


The much hyped transition to a new reservations system is a move to align it with partner airlines, and to increase exposure of its products globally.  The migration to the new system represents a significant change in sales distribution strategy for Virgin.  The airline has now consolidated its disparate reservations systems onto Sabre to replace Navitair – introduced for Virgin Blue – and Amadeus, currently used to support the airline’s international operations.  The move to Sabre will also enhance Virgin Australia’s exposure to travel agents globally, which stands to capture greater revenue especially in the lucrative corporate sector.

Virgin had also warned passengers flying this week to turn up at airports at least an hour before a domestic flight, and three hours before an international service because checking in might be slower than usual.  However, with the successful transition, the airline has advised that customers can now check-in and make flight bookings via the Virgin Australia website.

Lastly, as part of the changes, also from this week, all Virgin Australia flight numbers will begin with the code ‘VA’ rather than ‘DJ’.