Virtual Fuel Desk Lets Operators Shop Around For Best Fuel
Prices
On Monday, ARINC Direct
told ANN of a new online tool to help its business aviation
customers leverage their fuel purchasing power. The Virtual Fuel
Desk, an industry first, allows operators and flight departments to
"shop smart" for aircraft fuel while planning flights.
The Virtual Fuel Desk 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 mow 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.