An e-market scheme aimed at airlines seeking sub-charter capacity has been launched by Air Partners.
The UK-based air charter company says the online trading site will enable airlines to locate spare aircraft in seconds, rather than the 3-6h it can take using conventional chartering methods.
Air Partner On-Line is due to be launched at a International Air Transport Association conference in Singapore, which starts on 8 June, after a six-month pilot programme involving 20 European carriers, including Airtours International, Lauda Italy, Transavia and City Bird. The scheme is expected to begin with around 50 airlines. It is hoped it will expand to several hundred customers worldwide by the end of the year. The company is charging a flat annual subscription fee for users.
Although the scheme is primarily aimed at airlines seeking sub-chartering replacement aircraft at very short notice, usually to overcome operational problems, it can also be used for short-term lease requirements.
The site will display available aircraft entered onto the system by subscribers, highlighting the nearest and most appropriate charter opportunities.
Air Partners, one of the world's leading commercial charter companies, believes the site is the first of its kind.
Colin Pollard, commercial director of Gill Airways, one of the airlines taking part in the pilot scheme, says the "site has revolutionised the way we conduct our business as both a subcharter customer and supplier."
Source: Flight International
