A new, free online service that lets pilots and trip managers submit pricing requests for fuel and other services has made its debut. The service, dubbed FuelAware, is the creation of FlightAware, the “world’s largest online flight tracking and flight planning service,” according to the company. FuelAware is now available for use. In effect, the service performs as an online handler.
Under FuelAware, FBOs respond to anonymous bids that consolidate facility photos, location maps, amenity listings, and user reviews to assist trip managers in making the best decisions. “FuelAware is about saving time, saving money, and finding the best FBO,” said Daniel Baker, CEO of FlightAware. “We’ve just made the process of picking a great FBO a whole lot simpler.”
Under FuelAware, users receive anonymous bids from FBOs, then accept a bid and make reservations for services. Currently, the service is only offered for Jet A fuel purchases. Users define a time frame for their airplanes’ arrival and departure, and then estimate how much fuel will be purchased. The amount of fuel can serve as leverage in obtaining discounts, Baker says. For example, the fuel price bid can drop for larger fill-ups, and ramp fees may be waived if fuel is purchased. Other services (and their charges) that can be handled under FuelAware include Hangar rental; APU service; hotel reservations; car rental reservations; coffee, ice, catering, and newspaper delivery; and cleaning. Users must arrive within their pre-specified time frames in order to qualify for FuelAware services.
In just its first two days in operation, FuelAware has served more than 100 customers, Baker said.
Thomas A. Horne
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