Air Service Development for Tourism Authorities

3-day (24 hours) classroom course

Strengthening air connectivity is essential for destination growth. IATA’s Air Service Development for Tourism Authorities is a practical, data‑driven course designed to help tourism organizations attract new airline routes and improve existing air services. This course provides tourism professionals with the skills to understand how airlines evaluate new destinations and how to build route proposals that align with network strategies, regulatory frameworks, and commercial priorities. You will learn the fundamentals of air services development, including traffic analysis, market demand forecasting, yield and catchment assessment, and the role of bilateral agreements in route feasibility. Using real case studies and industry‑aligned templates, the course guides you through every step of creating a robust business case that answers the core question airlines ask: “Why should we fly to your destination?” You will also discover how to design effective incentive programs, co‑funded marketing partnerships, and destination‑airline collaboration models that support long‑term route performance. By the end of the course, you will be equipped to define an air connectivity strategy, engage confidently with airline network planners, and measure the economic impact of new air services on the destination.



Course Code: TTC039VEEN02

Course format

• This classroom course provides 3 days (24 hours) of instruction delivered by an official IATA Instructor.
• Take this course at an IATA Training Center, Regional Training Partner, or on-demand as in-house training.
• Student performance will be based on an assessment.

Prerequisites

• Recommended level is Entry-level and Intermediate.
• The recommended level of language proficiency is ICAO Operational Level 4 or the equivalent for courses held in languages other than English.

How to register

• When you click the Register button, you will be directed to log in to your Training Account.
• Register early and save up to 25% at our Training Centers! Please read the Terms and Conditions for the early bird discount.

In-house training

To arrange in-house training for your company, please complete the in-house training request form or contact the Training Specialist in your region.

 

Upon completing this course, you will be able to:

• Explain the core principles of air services development and the role of tourism boards in shaping air connectivity
• Analyze airline network strategies and economic drivers to understand how carriers evaluate new route opportunities
• Interpret market demand, yield, and catchment data to assess the viability of proposed routes
• Evaluate regulatory and bilateral considerations that influence route feasibility and operational permissions
• Design incentive packages and co‑funded marketing programs that effectively support airline partnerships
• Create a complete, data‑driven route business case suitable for presentation to airline network planners

The key topics that are covered during this course include:

• Air services development and managing new route opportunities
• Focus on air services and bilaterals – can we operate the route and regulatory discussions
• From the airlines perspective – why should we fly to your destination
• Working the numbers and data and building a robust air services business case for a carrier
• Understanding incentives and building marketing support programs
• Measuring success - a routes worth?

Activities

• Group activities and exercises
• Case studies and Q&A sessions

This course is recommended for:

• Tourism board/DMO managers
• Chambers of commerce personnel
• Government aviation/tourism authorities
• Civil aviation authorities

An IATA Certificate of Completion is awarded to participants obtaining a grade of 70% or higher on an assessment. A special distinction is awarded to participants obtaining a grade of 90% or higher.