Story ID: 
CrewBlast Launches Geolocation Crew Sourcing Tool
By: Amy Wilder
Caption: Operators gain real-time visibility of qualified crews
Word Count: 191
CrewBlast has launched CrewBlast Connect, a geolocation platform that enables operators to locate and contract flight crews based on their live position rather than their listed home base. The system, which CrewBlast calls the first of its kind in aviation, aims to eliminate inefficiencies in sourcing available business aircraft crewmembers worldwide.
Operators using CrewBlast Connect can enter an airport location and aircraft type to view qualified crew members available in proximity to the airport. The company said the real-time feature “removes the guesswork from sourcing” and reduces costs tied to airline repositioning.
According to the company, industry observers have dubbed CrewBlast Connect the “TCAS” for staffing—an abbreviation for “Targeted Crew Acquisition System” and a reference to the collision avoidance technology pilots rely on for situational awareness.
During beta testing, CrewBlast Connect located a pilot in Singapore within five minutes, despite the pilot’s home base being listed as China. CrewBlast described the tool as a step forward for a global industry where precision and speed in staffing are critical. CrewBlast Connect is now live across all platforms for registered operators and contractors.