Corporate jet charter alliance announced at MEBA conference

AirClub, the world’s first corporate jet charter alliance, was announced yesterday at MEBA 2012 in Dubai. The alliance brings together eight of Europe’s business jet charter operators: ACM Air Charter, Air Alsie, Air Hamburg, Corporatejets, Flyinggroup, GlobeAir, Masterjet and PrivatAir.

Between them they operate 106 aircraft, covering a wide spectrum of range and payload capabilities, from the Beechcraft King Air to a VIP Boeing 757. “We will combine the strength, purchasing power and expertise of some of Europe’s leading players within the industry to provide clients with premium service, top aircraft availability and flexibility, as well as the highest possible standard of safety and comfort,” said PrivatAir’s Christian Hatje, who is chairman of AirClub.

For the eight charter operators, which will retain their independence, the alliance will allow them to upgrade their customer service and widen the type of service they can offer. From a purchasing point of view, the alliance membership gives them greater strength, particularly in the areas of fuel provision, insurance and spares.

Having now established the alliance, the priority is to get an online booking service up and running early next year. Following this, AirClub will look at an alliance-wide jet card, although jet cards from any of the eight members can now be used across the alliance.

(Aviation International News)