UK-based helicopter charter booking platform GetHeli this week expanded its database to include international operators and has also introduced a new subscription-based offer for charter brokers to use its platform and software. And, GetHeli is laying plans to offer eVTOL aircraft flights when the new models begin commercial operations from around 2024.
Former investment banker Laurent Vallet launched the company in 2018 with a long-term objective to prepare to provide a retail platform for booking eVTOL services. But he reached the conclusion that his team should first try to improve what he views as an inefficient helicopter charter market. He said that a typical flight booking can take an entire day to organize.
The GetHeli team uses its technology to make business-to-consumer flight booking processes more productive. GetHeli is developing a real-time pricing algorithm that can ensure accurate pricing to confirm bookings more quickly and with greater transparency. Its platform will soon include a “fleet diary” showing the exact status of any given aircraft at a given time. The new subscription model gives brokers the opportunity to have the service customized. Customers can choose to pay a commission on bookings (of around 3 to 5 percent) or a monthly subscription rate starting at £1,000 ($1,400). For operators, it is free to list aircraft on the site and market their availability.
In the future, Vallet believes eVTOL air taxis will almost inevitably replace existing rotorcraft.
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