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.