Distribution Conference

19.00-21.00

Welcome Reception

Sponsored by Stored Value Solutions

08:30-08:45

Welcome Remarks

Ralph Kaiser, President & CEO, UATP

Mark Pilling, Editor, Airline Business

08:45-10:15

SESSION 1: Executive Session

The lead off session for Airline Distribution 2008 features senior commercial executives from legacy and LCC carriers as well as reputed analysts discussing their differing strategies in a highly competitive environment.

What are the main differences being experienced and is there a formula for success? What are the pitfalls, where are the focuses of growth?  Will Asia repeat the mistakes Europe and the US have made? 

Moderated by:

Mark Pilling, Editor, Airline Business

Beatrice Lim, Commercial Director, Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA)

Eddy Leong, Managing Director, Firefly

Bruce Weiner, Managing Director, LogicSourcing, Novantas

10:15-10:45

Coffee Break/Networking

Conference exhibit area

10:45-12:00

SESSION 2: The Distribution Debate

Sponsored by Datalex

Senior executives from leading international carriers and GDSs discuss the strategic and market dynamics of distribution strategies and how the focus has changed, touching on all the themes specific to their region.

The collective approach: making the partnership between travel agents, GDSs and airlines work in the Asia-Pacific. What role does GDS value-based pricing have in the Asia-Pacific? Is there a demand or place for new-generation distribution platforms in the Asia-Pacific?

Moderated by: Travel Technology Research Limited

Deborah Dickens, Senior Manager, Global Distribution & BA Miles, British Airways

Patrick Lai, Vice President North Asia and Content Marketing, Abacus International Pte Ltd

Zhang Yuguang, Director of GDS Business, Travelsky Technology Limited

12:00-13:30

Lunch

"Keeping Interline Partners in the Electronic Ticketing World ", James Foster, President & CEO

13:30-14:30

Keynote - Cam Wallace, General Manager for New Zealand and Pacific Sales - Air New Zealand

With profits soaring for 2007 year-end half-year results, hear Cam Wallace discuss Air New Zealand’s distribution strategies and the future of Air New Zealand.   Airline Business Editor Mark Pilling will join Wallace for a Q&A session with the audience.

14:30-16:00

SESSION 3: Distribution – The LCC Model

Sponsored by PayPal

LCCs have revolutionized the short-haul business model; find out what new distribution channels have worked for LCCs and where they see the future.

GDS’s are much more prevalent in Asia, the direct booking trend is not as great yet – what is the true market? Making the most of the direct sales model - sticking to the basics of distributing exclusively via your own website. Entering the GDS world - what is the right time for low-cost carriers to sign up to GDS distribution and can they enter the GDS world at the right price point and with the web functionality they want?

Moderated by: Travel Technology Research Limited

Damian Hickey, Vice President Airline Business Group Asia Pacific, Amadeus

Rosalynn Tay, Chief Commercial & Marketing Officer, Tiger Airways

Senthil Balan Danapalan, Head of Network Management, AirAsia X

16:00-16:30

Coffee Break/Networking

Conference exhibit area

16:30-17:30

SESSION 4: The Payment Debate

Sponsored by Cybersource

This panel session will feature the leading players from across the payment spectrum as they examine how the next generation of payment models will evolve. Credit card fees are now the leading distribution cost to airlines, learn what is being done to lower these costs and expand forms of payment.

Moderated by Lance Blockley, Edgar Dunn & Company

Scot Bealer, Vice President Sales & Marketing, UATP

Yang Lei, CEO, BilltoBill

Peter Rosberg, Director, PayPal

Anthony Hynes, Executive Director, eNett International

Alan Wyley, CEO, Eurocommerce

9:00-10:00

Keynote - Idris Jala, Managing Director/CEO, Malaysia Airlines

Transforming an airline from near bankruptcy to profitability in less than 18 months, Jala will address the successful turn-around strategies and future strategies for the continued growth and success of Malaysia Airlines.  Jala will join Asia-Pacific Airline Business Editor, Nicholas Ionides, for a Q&A session with the audience.

10:00-11:00

SESSION 1: The Future of Managed and Corporate Travel

Managed Travel is significant throughout Asia-Pacific – what is really happening with the revolution of the online world? The panel will discuss the challenges facing managed travel and the evolution of corporate travel.

11:00-11:15

Coffee Break/Networking

Conference exhibit area

11:15-12:30

SESSION 2: Ancillary Revenue – The New Model?

Leading airlines and suppliers will explain their strategies for expanding ancillary revenues, particularly using online methods, and explore the progress made to maximizing the potential.

This panel will explore how effective these techniques are, look for some best practices from around the globe, examine how efficient and cost-effective they are and whether they really are making a difference.

Moderated by: Travel Technology Research Limited

Shueh Chyan Phang, Head of Business Development, Zuji

Bobby Healy, Chief Technical Officer, CarTrawler
Alan Thomas, Regional Head Asia/Pacific, Navitaire

Cormac Whelan, CEO, Datalex

Lars Denlew, Vice President Distribution and e-Commerce, Gulf Air

12:30-12:45

Closing Remarks

Ralph Kaiser, President & CEO, UATP

Mark Pilling, Editor, Airline Business

13:00-14:00

Lunch