ANN has had a chance to sample the considerable talents of a new on-line tool to help business aviation operators leverage their fuel purchasing power. Arinc Direct's Virtual Fuel Desk allows operators and flight departments to "shop smart" for aircraft fuel while planning flights.

It provides on-line comparative pricing from multiple fuel suppliers at virtually all major U.S. and Canadian airports and FBOs frequently used by business aviation.

Users get "one-click" purchasing capability on line, and they can buy fuel at favorable rates pre-negotiated by ARINC Direct. The Virtual Fuel Desk service is now included with all ARINC Direct subscriptions.

"Our Virtual Fuel Desk allows operators to search more efficiently and get the best pricing. They no longer need to scan multiple websites and weekly price lists, or make multiple phone calls," stated Steve Means, Vice President, ARINC Aviation Solutions.

"We gather all the latest information here and make it available on-line. Our customers can simply point-and-click to obtain the fuel release of their choice."

Customers can still purchase fuel through the company's full-service fuel desk, which covers more than 2200 locations worldwide.

"Whether you purchase on-line through the Virtual Fuel Desk, or by calling our Flight Operations Center, you will always get the most competitive fuel pricing at your destination-from Boston, Massachusetts to Bangkok, Thailand," continued Means. "And there are no extra fees-it's all part of an ARINC Direct subscription."

The Virtual Fuel Desk is the only fuel search program that shows pricing at multiple airports and FBOs across a region, making it simple for operators to plan optimal fuel purchases during trip planning. Users can select an FBO and generate an electronic fuel release to be e-mailed or faxed in a flight planning package.

For international trips, ARINC Direct reaches out to its global network of fuel providers for the most competitive pricing, and provides a custom quote for the operator. This personalized service goes one step further by ensuring the fueler at the destination is matched with the handler. There is no need for operators to call overseas to ensure a fuel release is accepted at the handler. Operators can receive one invoice for an entire trip, reducing workload and avoiding confusion, and allowing them to close out trips faster.

ARINC Direct also offers fuel management programs that can save flight departments thousands of dollars a year through higher-volume competitive pricing, and discounts at non-contract fuel locations. Monthly statements detailing all fuel purchases are part of the ARINC Direct fuel management service.

FMI: www.arinc.com