Airline Distribution 2008 Success, Networking Sessions Producing Business Results

WASHINGTON, May 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Airline Distribution 2008, hosted by UATP and Airline Business magazine, netted a record airline audience this year with over 30 airlines represented, 22 - 24 April, Kuala Lumpur.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040318/UATPLOGO )

Keynote presenter Idris Jala, chief executive, Malaysia Airlines, stated about the possibility of mergers, "It's very, very early days. We are just only looking at the landscape. We haven't identified (anyone). We have looked at all those airlines that we're working with today. They're probably looking at us too," sparking off a whirlwind of media speculation. Under the control of Idris Jala, Malaysia Airlines has gone from near bankruptcy to profitability in less than 18 months.

Cam Wallace, general manager for New Zealand and Pacific Sales, Air New Zealand invigorated the audience with his keynote address discussing current and future distribution strategies of Air New Zealand. Wallace discussed the secrets of success, People!, and outlined the future network and distribution strategies to obtain growth.

The Airline Distribution annual conference series, hosted by UATP and Airline Business magazine, focuses on bringing senior commercial airline executives, industry analysts and industry executives together for high-level interactive sessions along with ample networking opportunities for prospecting.

"Airline Distribution 2008 provided vast learning and networking opportunities for us; we are already following up on new business prospects as a result of attending the conference which made our sponsorship even more valuable," stated Chief Technology Officer, Andrew Lauter, Accertify, LLC.

"The Airline Distribution conferences continue to offer editorial and industry content that improves year over year. The success of the series comes from the expertise of the panelists and speakers along with the active audience participation," said Ralph Kaiser, president and CEO, UATP. "Airline Distribution 2008 was the fourth successful conference that UATP and Airline Business have partnered together; Airline Distribution 2009, 31 March - 2 April, Vienna, is going to prove even more valuable, so mark your calendars now!"

    Panels included:
    -- Executive Session
    -- Distribution Dynamics
    -- Distribution - The LCC Model
    -- The Payment Debate
    -- The Future of Managed and Corporate Travel
    -- Ancillary Revenue - the New Model?


    Visit http://uatp.com/distribution2008 for further information.

About UATP

UATP accounts are accepted as a form of payment for corporate business travel by airlines and travel agencies worldwide. UATP accounts are issued by: Aer Lingus, Air New Zealand, American Airlines (NYSE: AMR), Austrian Airlines, Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL), Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL), Japan Airlines (Pink sheets: JALSY), Northwest Airlines (NYSE: NWA), Qantas Airways, Ltd., United Airlines (Nasdaq: UAUA), and US Airways (NYSE: LCC). AirPlus International issues the UATP-based Company Account for: British Airways (Pink Sheets: BAIRY), Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL), and Lufthansa German Airlines.

    Press Contact:
    Wendy L. Ward
    +1 202-626-4077
    wward@uatp.com