Houston-based JumpHub has introduced a non-revenue benefits program for Part 135 operators and flight crews aimed at addressing pilot recruitment and retention challenges. JumpHub offers crews of its operator network “as available” access to empty leg flights aboard all operator members’ aircraft.
“Operators need every tool they can get to retain staff, and non-revenue benefits are a way to increase quality of life for employees,” said JumpHub founder and developer Edward Ferguson. A charter captain with more than 20 years of aviation experience, Ferguson “was always envious of airlines’ free or low-cost travel for their employees.”
Positioning flights comprise 25 to 40 percent of all charter cycles, and despite being offered on the market at a discount, these flights “account for tens of thousands of empty legs each month,” he said.
Using a closed system, JumpHub permits crewmembers at participating operators to search, request, and get pre-approved to ride on unsold empty legs. Operators administer their flight crew accounts, providing access accordingly. Each operator contributes and benefits in proportion to the size of their operation.
The service already has “a great base of operators” with more in the pipeline, Ferguson told AIN. JumpHub is also integrating with flight scheduling software providers “at the request of some of their customers,” he said, adding, “The network is set to expand significantly as we bring each operator on board.”