Today, GetHeli is at the Air Charter Expo (ACE) event at London Biggin Hill Airport, and launches its platform to helicopter operators outside the UK. With a team of 12, including 8 in software development, GetHeli already claims 75% of the UK helicopter charter market use their platform, and they are now starting a gradual roll-out which they plan to take global. There is no charge to operators for using the platform – the company’s revenue model centres around the broker or whoever is raising the charter request.

From its launch in June 2019, the pandemic has helped GetHeli advance in two ways. Not only have a number of operators realised that it provides greater flexibility to allow their charter sales employees to work from anywhere, but it has also allowed a number of new features to be brought forward in the project plan. GetHeli now includes a fleet review facility for an operator, crew rostering and an online chat function (eg between operator and broker), among other additions.

By taking the process online – including apps for smart phones and tablets – GetHeli takes a booking, identifies suitable helicopters to fulfill the request and sends email and/or push notifications to operators to get a quote. In busy areas it is feasible to get at least five quotes back within an hour.

The launch at ACE today allows helicopter operators outside the UK to put their fleet on the system, ready for when it is launched to charter brokers outside the UK in a few months time. This process is not an arduous one, but includes standard information such as the insurance document for each airframe, the company’s Air Operators Certificate and so on. The team is also offering a free glass of champagne at their ACE booth from 2.30pm

Looking ahead, GetHeli has already built in as much functionality as they expect will be needed for eVTOL platforms, which are rapidly being developed and expected to be more common in our skies only a few years from now.