Stratajet [stand 673] is targeting the third quarter of 2013 for the public launch of its booking and brokerage platform, following a successful beta test with six charter operators of its Stratafleet program.
It is now allowing other charter companies to sign up to Stratafleet, which will significantly increase the number of jets in its database prior to the launch to business jet consumers. It presently has 35 aircraft available, but is targeting 300 by the end of the year.
The free service is a real-time booking system that boosts efficiency and profitability through the removal of empty legs, as these can now be more conveniently offered to the market, says Stratajet.
Although the company takes a percentage fee from the end-user - described as a "low single-digit" figure - Stratajet argues that this will be lower than the typical charge levied by traditional jet charter brokers.
Jonny Nicol, managing director, says: "We have put together a product that all companies agree is a game-changer, and we are now ready to release this throughout Europe.
"Our ambition is not that everybody books their aircraft online, but that we are able to dramatically increase the efficiency of the market and the choice available to the end-user."
The Stratafleet program integrates with operators' existing aircraft management systems, says Nicol, allowing real-time updates of aircraft availability and pricing. Additionally, operators are required to undergo a comprehensive safety audit prior to their jets being offered to consumers, he explains.
Source: Flight Daily News