For Igor Grigoriev of MSky the ability to sell aircraft via the Returnjet platform without subscriber fees is a very positive thing

Returnjet launches empty leg widget

UK-based pricing platform Returnjet has launched an unbranded empty leg search widget. Developed in response to feedback from its recent global broker survey, the plug-in allows brokers to add an increased level of functionality to their websites, giving their own clients even more ways to connect and interact with them.

Aviation director Steve Westlake comments: “There's no doubt that empty legs remain hugely popular, for brokers looking out for the very best charter deals and for their clients. In a market where private clients have an increasing choice, we want to develop tools that make it easier for our brokers to attract and retain new business.”

The widget provides direct access to more than one thousand live empty leg flights and connects instantly with the Returnjet platform, pulling flight data direct from operator scheduling feeds. In addition, it allows private clients to set up an empty leg monitor for the flights they are interested in, which should again encourage loyalty and business retention for the broker.

Westlake adds: “We have devised the empty leg widget so that brokers who don't want the full search API (application program-ming interface) can quickly add this to their website as a single feature. As with the full search API package, all enquiries that come through the empty leg search can be managed through the Returnjet dashboard. Early feedback suggests that brokers see this tool as a cost-effective way of generating new clients.”

Partnership with MSky

Having recently launched its own automated business jet search service, Moscow-based broker MSky has connected Returnjet into its own website to enable clients to run initial flight searches and queries. Westlake says: “The Russian market has seen significant growth over the past 10 years and Moscow is now one of the busiest centres for private jet travel. In the past six months the Returnjet system has processed over 2,200 flight searches into Moscow and we are delighted that the team at MSky has selected our platform.”

MSky's Igor Grigoriev adds: “The ability to sell our aircraft without expensive subscriber fees is a very positive thing and we like the fact that we have easy access to booking and flight details and can update them with the click of a button.

“The search box widget has several advantages over similar systems. These include the convenient interface, simple navigation, a high quality mobile version and real-time availability in online mode. Perhaps most importantly, we know that our clients prefer the process of entering their personal details at the final stage of booking, and not at the beginning, which can often turn users off.”

Returnjet intends to roll out its platform by taking on key partners in each region of the globe. “This helps us to understand the characteristics and needs of each country,” adds Westlake. “We consider the expert insight that we will get from MSky to be highly valuable and the Russian market is a key focus for our development.” Part of that development is a module for instant quoting, whereby brokers will see real-time availability and quotes rather than an estimate which they follow up with the operator.