Story ID: 761_Avplan.doc
Avplan Flight Activity on the Upswing
By: Matt Thurber
Caption: Avfuel’s Avplan Trip Support focuses on satisfying client needs, with all staffers responsible for quality control.
Word Count: 453
During the first quarter of this year, Avfuel’s Avplan Trip Support (Stand N090) experienced “a significant increase in flight-planning activity,” according to the company, and it expects to double that business during the second quarter. Avfuel’s commercial fuel division also saw rapid growth over the last six months, in part due to the addition of 253 fueling supply points in 42 countries. The Avfuel network now includes more than 3,000 contract fuel locations and more than 650 Avfuel-branded FBOs.

The growth in Avplan activity is a result of a new structure that was established last year, “after an evaluation of existing and prospective clients and desired services,” according to the company. An important element of the restructuring was learning what clients need to facilitate their flight operations and to make sure these needs are thoroughly satisfied, with all staff taking responsibility for quality control. “We make it our business to have knowledge of missions, aircraft, systems, structure, history, crew and passenger needs,” said Russ Standefer, president of Avplan Trip Support. “This approach results in reliable, customized options backed by high levels of client interaction and strong accountability. Everyone goes the extra mile to create a truly customized experience and ensure the success of every trip.”

Another important factor for Avplan clients is flexibility, with some requiring basic services for certain trips and occasionally more detailed handling for an unusually complex trip. “Many fall somewhere between, and we’re designed to accommodate,” he said. In a recent example, Avplan assigned a dedicated trip manager to a client planning a trip with multiple flights within Chile, earning praise from the client for the trip manager’s help and for the attention to detail paid to the complex itinerary. Avplan’s normal 24-hour operations handle this client’s typical trips in Mexico and the Caribbean.

Another client was invited to meet Avplan team members during the company’s operations meeting in May at its Ann Arbor, Michigan headquarters. “She’ll meet the team that supports her and also share perspective and experiences from her years of working as a dispatcher,” said Avplan operations manager Phil Tyler. “This is an example of the sort of relationships that are possible with our operations structure and team.” Avplan helped this client with a complicated trip to Southeast Asia and India.

In addition to ground-handling support, Avplan also offers flight planning; on-staff meteorologists; assistance with obtaining international permits and Advanced Passenger Information System filing; and regulatory advisories.

Like all Avfuel customers, Avplan clients can earn Avtrip rewards for purchasing fuel and services from Avfuel-branded dealers. Avtrip rewards are easy to redeem and are delivered automatically by mail as they accumulate.