Positive growth in the Middle East region is
being driven by long-haul, leisure travellers and an increased interest in B2C
business aviation technology, according to Avinode, the world’s leading online
marketplace for buying and selling air charter.
“It is clear from our comprehensive Avinode
Marketplace data that the past 12 months have seen a healthy increase in both
domestic and international flight requests for the Middle East region” says
Oliver King,
managing director, Avinode. “The market is being led by confident leisure and
long-haul family travel which is also driving an increase in heavy jets and
VIP/ultra-long-range aircraft.
“Brokers are also becoming more confident in
embracing new B2C technology. They are looking for mobile apps and web apps to
expand their business. In October, Avinode set a new record in powering 2.3
million end-client searches for members using Avinode Web Apps and APIs. While
uptake has been slower than in the US and Europe, the industry in the Middle
East is certainly changing its perception of how this technology can add value
to their business.”
Total % increase in Avinode flight requests
departing from the Middle East to Region
Avinode flight requests departure/arrival
within the Middle East per month: January 2014 - October 2016
Avinode ‘Top 5’ most requested aircraft within
Middle East, January-October 2016
Oliver King continues: “Our team has an
exciting year ahead in the Middle East as we welcome new members and partners to
the Marketplace. We are certainly buoyed by the greater understanding of the
industry’s economic value in the region and the consequential airport
development at Al Maktoum International, Sharjah International and Al Bateen
Executive Airport. While Dubai continues to be considered as the hub for
business aviation in the Middle East, there are opportunities for all areas and
we look forward to helping our partners take significant steps forward over the
coming months and years.”
In July 2016, half a million global trip
requests were sent through the Avinode system in one month alone. By the end of
the year, Avinode predicts total trip requests will be in in excess of 3.5
million, demonstrating the company’s leading market position within the global
charter industry.
Last month, Avinode Group launched PayNode,
the world’s first end-to-end payment platform for business aviation. Working
exclusively with American Express on its first product, PayNode provides the
ability for customers to pay directly for business charter flights via credit
card. This will be followed shortly after by a comprehensive payment solution to
include bank wire transfer payments.
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