Virgin Charter Launches Self-Booking System

General aviation forecasters might need to add a new growth category to future industry coverage - self-booking tools.

Several new online marketplaces that match fliers with charter aircraft seats launched in 2007. Virgin Charter joined the mix last month. Players already in this niche include privatejets.com, taxijets.com, jets.com, OneSky Jets and Jets International. Their services differ.

Virgin Charter enables fliers to find and book charter flights on private aircraft from operators that it says have cleared its safety and quality assurance metrics. Users submit their trip request online, compare offers and buy their preferred choice. The site was recently beta-tested by corporate and individual buyers, and transactions processed online were priced as high as $100,000.

“These new services mix the best ideas of Internet” and are clearly driving GA growth in Europe, said Philippe Rouin, sales and marketing manager of G.ops in France. Allocating open seats on private aircraft for corporate and recreational travel benefits both fliers and operators because seats that might otherwise remain vacant gain occupants.

Operators Virgin selected for its network last fall include Aerojet Services, Avjet Corporation, Clay Lacy, DB Aviation, ExpressJet Corporate Aviation, FlightWorks, Hop-A-Jet, Jet Source, Key Air, Segrave Aviation, Sun Air Jets, The Air Group and XOJET.

Virgin Charter is also providing charter solutions for Travelocity Business clients who want to fly on private aircraft.