Training

Currently, air travel demand and changes in consumption patterns require a new approach in distribution from the supply side. Distribution channels have always been main pillar of airline business. An overview is provided starting with the heavy dependence on Global Distribution Systems to the 4th industrial revolution and Internet of Things, that have contributed to the carriers with the development of their own distribution channels, reducing their costs and generating revenue opportunities. Travel planning is now a unique experience for every traveler who is capable of combining several different product segments in one, based on his preferences and needs, purchasing it directly from the supply source. This course aims to provide attendees with insights from latest trends in tourism and travel industry, especially when it comes to distribution. From the airline perspective, commercial strategy on product segmentation and its availability should carefully be structured in order the carriers to successfully exploit the evolution of air services distribution.

Such commercial strategy involves the departments of pricing, revenue management, sales, digital and marketing, in order to design, price and distribute customized airline products and services. Consequently, this course may be attended by revenue management analysts (including GDS and pricing), marketing product managers, digital product developers, sales managers and any other airline employee that focuses on sales optimization, revenue maximization and cost reduction.

• Evolutionary patterns in tourism and Air Travel

1. Air Services Distribution Channels Overview
2. Global Distribution Systems 
3. Online direct sales
4. Physical and Online Travel Agencies
5. IATA’s New Distribution Capability

• The digital evolution of air services distribution

1. Consumer preferences and profile customization
2. Efficient distribution of air services and products
3. Airline websites: promotions, offers and more
4. Mobile applications: building the future of distribution
5. Social media as a distribution channel
6. Airline Information Systems
7. Airline Reservation Systems (RS)
8. Airline Revenue Management Systems (RMS) and Distribution
9. Aggregators – Connecting RMS with RS
10. The way forward