Two years after the launch of its industry-first software platform connecting operators with aircrew for freelance and contract flights at EBACE 2017, hullo Aircrew is pleased to report a 200% growth in its membership. It holds 3,000 candidates on its database and recently moved into offering permanent air crew positions, in response to demand. The London Oxford Airport based company will have a presence on the stand of their new collaborative partner Jet Aviation (Stand A18) and will be available to discuss how smooth the process is for operators to source aircrew.

Since February, Edward Cousins has been back on the team as Director of Business Operations, overseeing widening out its reach through the EMEA region. He has now brought in Andrea Jilkova as Business Development Manager, a seasoned professional within the business aviation industry, already proving a valuable member of the team exploring new markets. The whole team is geared up to solve obstacles when it comes to all things crewing.

Edward is also passionate about pro-actively addressing the industry's reported pilot shortage.

"We are looking to approach local authorities to encourage standardisation on training across the industry, using hullo Aircrew's skillset in building a network to help build a consortium of operator training agreements," he comments. This, Edward believes, would play a part in alleviating the pressure on commercially competitive flight operations - and also help to drive down costs.

He highlights that the variation in standards from country to country is vast - even across the UK it leads to widespread differences in operational procedures. hullo Aircrew is already in dialogue with the British Business General Association (BBGA), which has its own flight training working group and BACA. Edward is looking to further this discussion with the various associations and interested parties during EBACE.

hullo Aircrew is doing this from a position of strength. It supports nearly 50 business aviation operators, a growing number of flight support companies, maintenance organisations, operator owners and charter brokers. Membership covers 130 aircraft types from the Mustang to Boeing Business Jet and its reach extends to 190 airports globally.

Contributed by hullo Aircrew