Jeppesen Launches Trip Planning Service

Jeppesen has unveiled a comprehensive online trip and flight planning utility designed to make both processes more efficient and help prevent on-the-road surprises. Jeppesen Operator is a self-service environment created in conjunction with BoldIQ, which built the software that managed an on-demand charter service. With that functionality as a base, the two added some convenience features that created a "one-stop shop" for trip planning. "Specifically, Operator integrates flight planning, runway performance, weight and balance, crew scheduling and management, aircraft scheduling, domestic and international trip planning and reporting (financial, maintenance and Customs), customer account management, real time pricing and cost accounting capabilities," Jeppesen said in a news release.

After the trip details are plugged in, the system gets into the fine details and produces checklists of tasks that must be accomplished to make the trip go smoothly. Part of that is making sure the crew and aircraft are ready for the flight and the other side is sorting out the logistical and legal requirements, especially for international trips. And if, despite all the best laid plans, things go south, arrangements can be made to have Jeppesen step in and save the day through its Concierge service. "A customer has the option to connect with Jeppesen's International Trip Planning (ITP) global experts for assistance with traditional ITP tasks such as managing flight plans, permits, and handling arrangements, or to establish a line of credit, to eliminate operational financial concerns that could jeopardize a planned flight," the company said. At the news conference, Mike DiDonato, Jeppesen's Director of Industry Services, described the utility as a "do-it-yourself flight department."