Post published:22/02/2018
Post category:Latest Member News
Reading time:6 mins read

Please note the view expressed in this post are those of the member posting and not necessarily of the BBGA

New technology will save operators time and money when sourcing crew

Following the successful introduction of the hullo Aircrew brand at EBACE last year, the technology start-up has officially launched its industry-first software platform designed to connect operators with aircrew for freelance and contract flights.

Run by former Hangar8 and Gama Aviation executives Keiron Blay and Steve Payne from their base at London Oxford Airport, hullo Aircrew aims to reduce the labour-intensive task of vetting aircrew to just a few clicks and to eliminate expensive agency fees for both operators and freelancers.

The platform works in two ways: Aircrew can apply for jobs or operators can request work from them directly after browsing their personal profiles equipped with all relevant training documents and a calendar of availability.

When a job is booked and validated by both operator and crew member, the invoicing is dealt with automatically post flight and payment is sent directly to the crew member’s bank account, having already been paid into escrow by the operator. The service is free to use, with hullo Aircrew taking a small percentage from jobs secured through the platform.

After working in the business aviation industry for 15 years, the hullo Aircrew team wanted to create a crew-sourcing solution which didn’t involve staff spending hours emailing and calling candidates to obtain their relevant information in time for a client’s big trip, and risk losing business if their potential crew weren’t responsive. Using hullo’s new platform, the chance of having to cancel flights is minimised, allowing operators more space and time to focus on the all-important customer experience.

Alex Durand, CEO of Saxonair, used the hullo Aircrew platform during its beta testing phase. He commented, “hullo Aircrew is now our go-to platform when we have additional crew requirements. It is quick and simple to use, and it’s free. Why wouldn’t we use it?”

“The response to the platform has been overwhelming – we’ve already achieved seven times the sign-ups we predicted at our soft launch in December 2017,” said Keiron Blay, CEO of hullo Aircrew. “We’re all aware of an increasing pilot shortage as those in business aviation move to fill the gaps in the commercial airline industry, but we’re hoping that by making it as easy as possible for operators to source aircrew that their businesses will feel little to no impact from any challenges in supply.”

ENDS

For further information:

hullo Aircrew Emerald Media Ltd

Tel: +44 (0) 1865 379 900 Tel: +44 (0) 1420 560094

E: keiron.blay@hulloaircrew.com alison.chambers@emeraldmedia.co.uk

E: steve.payne@hulloaircrew.com stephanie.taylor@emeraldmedia.co.uk

For further information:

hullo Aircrew Emerald Media Ltd

Tel: +44 (0) 1865 379 900 Tel: +44 (0) 1420 560094

E: keiron.blay@hulloaircrew.com alison.chambers@emeraldmedia.co.uk

E: steve.payne@hulloaircrew.com stephanie.taylor@emeraldmedia.co.uk

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Paul Cremer

My name is Paul Cremer, and this marks my 42nd year working within the business and general aviation industry. Over this time, I’ve had the privilege of overseeing a diverse array of sector activities, ranging from aircraft charter and management to air ambulance services, ground operations, air traffic control, airport management, technology implementation, and the outsourcing services I currently manage.

In my role focused on delivering advisory, technology, and outsourcing services to aviation customers, I handle a wide spectrum of responsibilities. This includes overseeing International Trip Support, Operations Control Centre Services (OCC), Continuing Airworthiness Management Service (CAMO), Airworthiness Reviews, ARC Services, Aircraft Delivery and Re-delivery Support Services, Maintenance Coordination Services including AOG, Tech Ops (Maintenance Control Centre), and managing myairops software products. As the Head of Aviation Delivery, I lead the customer-facing delivery of Technology & Outsourcing products and services for the market, drawing upon a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and industry connections within Gama Aviation’s Technology and Outsourcing Strategic Business Unit.

My journey into Business and General Aviation began during my teenage years while still in school. I was fortunate enough to be welcomed into the industry, starting at a flying club, and later working at the Air Traffic Services Unit at Blackbushe Airport. There, I maintained the ATC Movement Logs in the Control Tower during weekends, solidifying my passion for aviation. Upon completing my schooling, I seized opportunities at Fairoaks Airport, where I began as Ground Crew while pursuing my Aerodrome Flight Information Service Officer’s license. Advancements in my career led me to the role of Air Traffic Services Manager.

Since joining Gama Aviation in 1996, I’ve held various positions, including Operations Manager (Post Holder), Operations & Commercial Manager, Commercial Manager, Operations Delivery Manager, Head of Business Aviation Delivery, and currently, Head of Aviation Delivery. This role encompasses Gama Aviation Group’s Gama Aviation, myairops, and FlyerTech companies.

In 2023, I was honoured to be invited to serve as the Chair of the Operations Working Group for the British Business & General Aviation Association. This opportunity allows me to contribute to industry initiatives within BBGA’s membership of nearly 200 industry companies, focusing on challenges such as regulatory compliance, Air Services Agreements, technological advancements, workforce development, operational matters, and sustainability.

Marc Bailey

Marc Bailey has spent his entire career in aviation and has worked in most areas of Aviation Services with scheduled airlines, MRO’s, military contract support and latterly with associations, government, and its agencies.

Marc represents your position in Europe (even post Brexit) – as President of ECOGAS (European Council of General Aviation Support) which maintains a voice with EASA. All the major member states are represented on the ECOGAS board. With EASA restructuring its meetings with industry, ECOGAS is now well positioned to represent our position in all areas following industry partnerships with the European Independent Maintenance Group and with ARPAS the new drone and autonomous association.

Marc is chair of the UKASF (United Kingdom Airworthiness Strategic Forum) as part of an initiative to develop Aviation Services across all aviation activities. The UKASF pulls together airlines, MROs, Rotary, Drones, and commercial GA bodies to work with CAA and DfT. The objective is for industry to take the lead to drive strategic issues to benefit all parties. We are well positioned after four years to continue our good work and with the re-established role of Chief Surveyor in the CAA we have a good focal point to do this.

Marc chairs the CAA Finance and Services Forum which allows industry in the UK to discuss in the financial plans for the CAA and the value for money delivered by those funds paid by industry. This is a new and valuable new platform for all parties.

Under recent developments Marc has formed an alliance with, ARPAS, AOPA, BHA and BBGA so that we can strengthen our voice under a joint ‘GA 4 Biz’ banner. This alliance is working to do everything possible to represent the industry’s business interests with UK government and to help realise the Government’s desire to make UK General Aviation a Global Leader in a post Brexit environment. GA4Biz – GA4Biz

The next Generation initiatives with industry and government have continued to develop with the retention platform now evolving into the “Aviation Skills Recruitment Platform”. The platform now not only offers a vehicle for those offering and seeking posts in aviation, it also provides pathways with its TalentView portion seeking to provide pathways for new entrants into our sector. The recruitment platform is being further developed to include training opportunities across a wide range of providers, from government agencies through academic bodies. Getting our next generation activities right in the UK over the next couple of years is our single most important issue which we in aviation must grab with both hands. Marc is playing a central role to help develop many of these channels.

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