What role do marketplaces play in the aviation industry these days? How did this role transform during the last few years?
Today, aviation marketplaces play a vital role by acting as a central digital hub.
Their core functions are:
1. Connecting the ecosystem: linking operators, brokers, suppliers and clients.
2. Streamlining the workflow: managing the entire process from aircraft or airport search and flight plan estimation to charter booking.
3. Enhancing value: driving greater transparency and efficiency across the entire value chain.
Its role has evolved from basic directories platforms into intelligent, data-driven ecosystems. Modern platforms now provide predictive analytics, real-time pricing and seamless integration with operator fleet management systems. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this shift, driving increased reliance on digital platforms for everything from cargo & ambulance capacity to flexible jet sharing.
How marketplaces such as Aviapages can help business aviation and FBOs? It’s commonly known that such platforms as yours can help streamline procurement, manage services, and provide valuable industry data, among other things, but how exactly?
Aviapages functions as a central operational hub for business aviation, moving beyond a simple directory to become a dynamic ecosystem.
We deliver tangible value by addressing the specific needs of each segment.
For Operators:
We provide direct API connectivity to promote charter fleet availability with its positioning data.
A key value is our highly precise flight time calculator. It delivers crucial estimates for complex routes, factoring in overflying needs which is essential for accurate offer pricing nowadays. This empowers sales teams to create reliable quotes instantly without consulting dispatch, ensuring speed and reducing errors.
The tool is accessible via app, desktop, API and major management systems. Operators also get comprehensive data for over 12,000 airports, including NOTAMs, weather, and a directory of handling companies and FBOs.
For FBOs & MROs:
We ensure high visibility by featuring their services across our platform, not just in a directory, but within tools like the flight calculator and airport listings. Crucially, we've integrated a streamlined request form that allows operators to select and request FBO & MRO services directly in just a few clicks, turning visibility into actionable leads.
For Brokers:
Our core value is the quote request tool which provides access to over 9,000 jets globally, including in remote regions. Instead of manually contacting dozens of operators, a single request instantly sources competitive, comparable quotes from a vetted network of up to 50 performers. This saves significant time, ensures pricing transparency and allows brokers to secure the best client option with minimal effort.
As some market players told us, in recent years marketplaces have been experiencing certain competition from social media channels.
Do you agree with this? Why is it happening? There are clear disadvantages of using social media channels, including scam risks, but what makes people think they are real alternatives to dedicated platforms?
Yes, we are certainly observing this trend. The appeal of social media and messaging groups lies in three main areas:
First is the perceived speed and directness.
Posting a request in a WhatsApp group can yield immediate, informal responses which creates an illusion of being faster than structured platforms.
Second is the sense of 'insider access' - these closed groups foster a feeling of community and bypassing formal systems, making users feel they're getting direct, privileged access.
Finally, there's a lower barrier to entry, especially for newer brokers or operators who see it as a free and easy way to enter the market without formal verifying processes.
While these factors explain the shift, they also highlight why these channels can't replace the security, efficiency and reliability of a professional marketplaces like Aviapages.
How do marketplaces evolve to adapt to the changing digital environment and consumer preferences? Could you please shed some light on the development in the Aviapages in this field?
The key evolution is moving from a database to a solutions ecosystem.
This happens in several key ways:
1. Integrating Essential Tools: We've embedded tools like our Flight Time & Price Calculator and Charter Quote Request directly into the platform. This means a user's workflow - from estimating a route to requesting a quote - is seamless within our ecosystem.
2. Automating Trust & Connectivity: We've moved beyond manual checks to a system of automated vetting and secure API integrations. This ensures brokers access real-time data and conduct a de-risked search for valid charter aircraft.
3. Leveraging Data for Insight: We're using our industry data to provide predictive insights on pricing and aircraft availability, helping our users make smarter and more profitable decisions.
In summary, for Aviapages, evolution is about building a smarter ecosystem.
We've integrated the essential tools that brokers, suppliers and operators use daily, infused the platform with actionable data and created secure, automated connections that turn our marketplace from a static resource into a dynamic, value-creating partner for the entire industry.
