CHELTENHAM, United Kingdom--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Reducing Costs for Travellers, Plane Operators and Brokers
Since launching in the UK in February, and in the USA in April, Returnjet.com, a unique concept and software, is revolutionising private aviation by feeding online for the very first time all charter plane movements and availability. The website, following an 18 month development, is free to use, and is being rapidly adopted by both brokers and the general public.
This data was previously only accessible to brokers via an expensive subscription service, creating a ‘closed shop’ between operators and brokers. Returnjet.com has already generated over $650,000 of charter business across the world, and now connects users to over 2,500 operators and 10,000 aircraft - the world’s entire charter fleet.
The unique concept and software allows the end user to scan and connect directly to the operator of the aircraft which will be best positioned for the location and date of route, by using operator feeds and complex algorithms. It will inevitably reduce the global cost of private aviation by reducing 'empty legs' (where the planes fly empty - traditionally 40% of the time) and attracting brand new users who can book direct without the need for a broker.
The concept was developed by Returnjet.com CEO Mark Blanchfield, from Cheltenham, UK, who had previously no experience in the aviation industry but on searching for a charter for himself saw that there was no central reservation system.
Blanchfield explains: ‘I saw no reason you could not scan for a private plane as you can scan for a scheduled plane on Skyscanner. By working with the operators to put realtime information into the public domain, both private individuals and brokers can now connect directly to the most appropriate plane and its operator, for their client or themselves. We are being championed in particular by smaller plane operators and independent brokers who cannot afford to be part of the 'closed shop’ but want, respectively, more customers and information access.
'I always believe if you have a unique concept and you execute it simply and well, the customers find you and they talk about you. It is how Google started and it is how we are growing. Essentially, we are simply a dating site, connecting users to aircraft - so they can do the business direct and get the best deal possible, whether brokers, businessmen or holidaymakers.'
EDITOR'S NOTES
Please call Nikki Reeves at Returnjet.com on 01242 222878 or email nikki@returnjet.com (chris@themarketingfarm.co.uk)
More Information at http://news.cision.com/returnjet-limited
Notes
1. Difference between an operator and a broker.
The public are often confused between who is a broker and who is an operator.
The operators manage the aircraft, employ the pilots, ensure the safety of the passengers and manage every aspect of the client’s experience. There are c2,500 operators worldwide with charter planes who are certified with Part 135 / AOC certificates. Traditionally, a user had to go through a broker whose role is to find an appropriate operator. Until Returnjet.com, operators have all had to promote their fleets independently of each other and therefore relied on brokers subscribing to an industry restricted system that has monopolised and restricted data. Returnjet.com now provides this in realtime for free to everyone. With Returnjet.com, the user connects directly with the operator directly, attaining maximum benefit from plane positioning.
Clients may still choose to use a broker. Returnjet.com is simply a facilitator for all parties. More and more broker businesses are now using Returnjet.com to source the best plane and operator for their clients. Examples of brokers include Private Fly and Fly Viktor, examples of operators (who 'do the business' and are members of the Returnjet Alliance) include: www.flylea.com - large operator, UK; www.dragonflyac.com - small operator, UK; www.starbasejet.com - medium operator, USA.
2. Mark Blanchfield
Mark Blanchfield, founder and CEO, started Epsilon, an electrical testing business, in 1993 and building it to become the largest of its type in the UK with multi million pound turnover, and many hundreds of employees by introducing new online technologies before selling in 2008.
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