PrivateFly takes the charter broker route

PrivateFly, an online network for private jet charter, is developing business by acting as a conventional charter broker. Adam Twidell, md, says: "We offer a full-time service in the same way as a traditional broker because we find the first enquiry tends to be by telephone." But Twidell says clients then transfer to the simple online process. "Our mission is to have the world's most user-friendly booking service allowing concise and easy selection of airports, aircraft, times and special requests," he adds.

PrivateFly, which has recently appointed David Scowsill as chairman, has five developers working on its web site responding to client feedback. Venues such as football stadia and hotels are being encouraged to book and the site now enables operators to plan in a fuel stop. Twidell says PrivateFly bills the client direct except when the lateness of a booking means remuneration has to be sought through the operator.