Web application will plan route based on up-to-date fuel pricing info

Citation

(2009), "Web application will plan route based on up-to-date fuel pricing info", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 81 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2009.12781aad.006

Web application will plan route based on up-to-date fuel pricing info

Article Type: Equipment and software From: Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology: An International Journal, Volume 81, Issue 1

Globalair.com, the world’s most utilized aviation internet information site, has unveiled Max-Trax, a route planning web application designed to help pilots get the most for their fuel dollars. Developed exclusively by Globalair.com, Max-Trax utilizes relevant information provided by participating fixed base operators (FBOs) who update their fuel prices at least once every 30 days. It combines the fuel pricing input with specific aircraft range data provided by the user and departure and destination information to map out complete itineraries with just a few keystrokes. Max-Trax also offers access to extensive information on airports and FBOs by displaying a pop-up balloon whenever the computer’s mouse is rolled over icons that correspond with enroute waypoints.

“Max-Trax takes the guess work out of preflight planning,” said Jeff Carrithers, Globalair’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “It is a user-friendly application that automatically updates fuel price information. It’s simple to use, requiring only the input of departure and destination stops and the type of fuel to be consumed. From that beginning, it permits the addition or deletion of waypoints with the touch of a button, allowing operators to alter or update their itineraries easily. It will virtually pay for itself by helping corporate and charter pilots maximize their fuel dollars and keep track of their expenses,” he added.

Max-Trax is also said to be ideal for use by schedulers and dispatchers for FBOs, fractional ownership, charter and corporate flight departments. Globalair.com is offering subscription levels to Max-Trax users, based on the type fuel they utilize. At the same time, the savings they realize by buying fuel at the most favorable rates available at or enroute to their destinations will quickly cover the cost of their subscription. Additional cost reductions, based on the time saved by using Max-Trax, will also make it worthwhile. With the high volume of flight hours logged by fractional ownership and charter operations, those savings can add up to a big number over the course of a year,” Carrithers pointed out.

“FBOs are also very important contributors to both Max-Trax and our Airport Resource Center (ARC),” Carrithers continued. “As a means of thanking them for their participation, we’ve decided to provide them with a set number of free searches each month that will allow the participating FBOs to offer concierge-style service to their flying customers. The number of complimentary searches will be based on the type of subscription they have. Globalair.com has always been about helping our users save money and grow their businesses. In these challenging economic times, it’s an especially important goal,” Carrithers noted.

Max-Trax is a straightforward, user-friendly program. Once the departure, destination, maximum leg and fuel type are entered, it will display the routing for the trip using red and blue fuel icons to correspond with each stop designated by the crew. Clicking on a specific city or airport icon will display more detailed information on that locale. Clicking on the map will also permit addition or removal of a stop. Choosing a map icon link will activate a radial search of all the airports and FBOs within a 50-mile radius. Located on the right hand side of each page is a list of all participating FBOs and the fuel prices they’ve reported, shown with the best fuel prices on top. “This feature allows the users of the system to compare facilities, fuel prices, fuel brands, runway lengths and other pertinent details and plan a flight in under 5 minutes,” Carrithers explained.

Telephone numbers and e-mail addresses are also included for each FBO listed so that crewmembers can get up-to-the-minute, real time information quickly and easily. “Max-Trax truly is one of the most sophisticated pieces of Internet programming available. As we gain more experience with it, we will incorporate flight planning, tracking, reservations and fuel consumption modifications to make it even more efficient,” Carrithers concluded.

Details available from: Globalair.com, Tel.: +1 502 562 7666, E-mail: webmaster@globalair.com