Our approach
A structured process. A flexible engagement
Our five-step framework provides the rigor. How deeply you engage with each step depends on your requirements, not a fixed consulting script.
the five steps
How we work
Each step builds on the previous one. We'll meet you where you are.
1
PRIME
Get up to speed on distribution
Clear picture of the landscape, what it means for your airline, and how to keep up.
Key Question
"What's going on in distribution and what does it mean for us?"
2
AUDIT
Benchmark your distribution footprint
Structured assessment of costs, contracts, channel mix, and competitive position. Quick wins identified.
Key Question
"How do we compare, and where are we leaving money on the table?"
3
STRATEGIZE
Determine the right path forward
Strategy alternatives evaluated, BATNA defined, optimal direction recommended with full quantitative backing.
Key Question
"What's the best distribution strategy for our airline, taking our unique requirements into account?"
4
IMPLEMENT
Execute without losing momentum
Negotiation support, change management, and new contracts brought into effect.
Key Question
"How do we bring the strategy to life and get the best deal?"
5
CAPITALIZE
Maximize the value of new capabilities
Product pipeline, upsell activation, and channel steering to extract full value from the new distribution setup.
Key Question
"Now that the strategy is in place, how do we benefit most?"
Engagement model options
How clients typically engage with us
We offer tailored engagement levels to suit your specific airline commercial strategy and negotiation requirements.
DISTRIBUTION DISCOVERY
Orientation and scoping workshop(s)
Prime
Audit (LITE)
DISTRIBUTION STRATEGY
Prime
End-to-end project
Audit
STRATEGIZE
Implement
CAPITALIZE
DISTRIBUTION AS A SERVICE
Ongoing expert support
ANY PHASE
FLEXIBLE SCOPE
STANDARDIZED AUDITS
Tailored solutions for specific distribution challenges
Our audits deliver focused, actionable analyses on the topics that matter most. No need to commit to a full project.
Contract Scan
Key Question
"Are there unexploited opportunities or hidden constraints in my distribution agreements?"
BENEFIT
Understand your rights and obligations under the existing GDS, travel seller and airline IT contracts.
INPUT
All current GDS contracts, any other relevant information e.g., PSS agreement, National Marketing Company and other joint venture agreements.
DELIVERABLE
Structured summary of all relevant GDS contracts incl. implications on mismatch among contracts, restrictions, quick wins, and recommendations.
TIMEFRAME
Three weeks, after all delivery of materials.
GDS Cost Analysis
Key Question
"Are we paying too much for distribution?"
BENEFIT
Evaluate your GDS unit cost per POS and GDS and relate to industry benchmarks.
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INPUT
BIDT (GDS cost) data of a recent 12-month period and GDS pricing tables.
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DELIVERABLE
Unit cost per GDS and POS, benchmark, and observations or findings within the GDS cost structure.
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TIMEFRAME
One week, after all required data have been received.
Distribution Dashboard
Key Question
"Is our distribution mix in line with my sales strategy and business model?
BENEFIT
Visualize and drill down into your revenue and cost structure by POS, channel, and GDS.
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INPUT
Detailed revenue data (ideally on CPN or TKT level) for a recent 12-month period. Separately, aggregated non-GDS cost data for the same period.
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DELIVERABLE
Comprehensive, interactive distribution footprint covering volumes, revenues, and cost.
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TIMEFRAME
Three weeks, given all required inputs provided.
SMALLER AIRLINE APPROACH
Common distribution concerns of smaller airlines
Specialised distribution consulting services for smaller carriers.
NDC and OOSD are too complex (but FOMO is real).
While we like working with airline partners truly shaping the industry, we do not believe in a "one-size-fits-all" approach to AI, NDC, MAR, or OOSD. Drawing on the deep technical and functional knowhow of partners such as Travel in Motion, we're perfectly positioned to identify the best strategy for you.
DISTRIBUTION
DISCOVERY
We are too small to negotiate.
We firmly believe and some of our most successful projects have proven that size is no longer the most important succcess factor for airlines navigating distribution, especially given the current market dynamics. At Oystin, we'll assess your current position and work on identifying unique opportunities and increasing negotiation leverage.
DISTRIBUTION
DISCOVERY
AUDIT
GDS COST ANALYSIS
Audit
Contract Scan
We have no time for distribution.
We know that under-staffing is an issue even at large carriers, and we know first hand that distribution doesn't always get the attention it deserves. Since it's what we do every day, we're happy to help – both in developing strategies or supporting Business as Usual.
DISTRIBUTION
DISCOVERY
DISTRIBUTION
AS A SERVICE
Audit
Contract Scan
Are we overpaying?
A perceived lack of leverage often leads to smaller airlines overpaying on GDS fees. At Oystin, we can assess your unit cost competitiveness and work on immediate and longer terms measures to reduce and contain distribution cost.
DISTRIBUTION
DISCOVERY