The Power of Direct: Traditional Distribution Transformed
Traditional distribution models are outdated. By 2021, according to IATA, 45% of reservations will account for the direct channels. The importance of direct distribution is growing, driven by the adoption of NDC and the trend for personalization. Airlines that do not catch up with the latest retail techniques risk falling behind and leaving money on the table. Learn how to bypass legacy technologies limitations, grow share of direct sales and move to the digital and NDC era equipped with a seamless shopping experience across channels.
About the Speakers: Moderated by Kevin Knight, President and CEO, AeroStar Advisors. Most recently Kevin Knight was the Group Chief Strategy and Planning Officer with Etihad Airways where he was a key decision maker and leader in the development of an international multi-billion-dollar high growth business. At Etihad he was responsible for pricing, capacity and revenue management, route and network planning, alliances, partnerships, fleet acquisition and management, as well as leading Etihad Cargo. In addition, during his time with the carrier he implemented several innovative and industry leading approaches to revenue management and revenue optimization. Before joining Etihad, he spent 17 years at United Airlines, the last five as Senior Vice President Planning. He previously held senior roles at Northwest Airlines and prior to their merger, Republic Airlines. Overall he has 40 years of experience in Business and Aviation with expertise in business development, strategic planning, partnerships, operations, government affairs and commercial functions. In addition, he has experience in mergers, acquisitions and business restructuring. Mr. Knight holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Westminster College, Utah, and an MBA from the University of Utah.
PROS Panelists include Surain Adyanthaya, Principal, Travel Product Strategy, Boyan Manev, Principal, Travel Product Strategy and Srikanth Ranganathan, Principal, Travel Product Strategy.