Press Release

Issued by Returnjet.

June 22, 2016

Returnjet this week announced the release of a dedicated Broker API set to transform the way the charter market does business. Here Steve Westlake, aviation director discusses why the Returnjet Broker API will be so very different from anything else on the market.

There are a number of Broker APIs on the market already. Why are you only launching the Returnjet version now?

"We believe the current API widgets available to charter brokers are limited and therefore used by brokers as a bit of a gimmick to attract new online customers. Most of them provide a basic search function for the client and then requests contact details so they act more like a marketing tool. The Returnjet platform is a real time search, booking and communication portal for aviation professionals with the most up to date technology and comprehensive data. It has taken us several years to get to this stage and we are now able to provide this technology and data to our brokers and allow them to expose this to their clients. Basically we are giving our system to our brokers so that they can give it to their clients."

So how is the Returnjet Broker API any different

"The Returnjet Broker API can be installed within a few minutes onto the broker website. This instantly makes the Returnjet technology and data available to the broker's client base for the purpose of making a flight search request. The broker can choose how many search results their client can see and how many quote request they can make. They can also choose if they want to show estimated prices or not. The system instantly provides them the best available options and the client can make their selections and request a quote. The quote requests go directly to the selected operators who quote by return back to the broker who can then check the selections and add a margin before sending them back to the client. The broker is also notified each time his client performs a search and can step in to assist if necessary.

"The Returnjet API will provide the broker's client with a genuine search interface. The widget which will appear on the broker's website will provide the private client with the appropriate fields and filters that they need to make a targeted search. In effect giving the client the same primary search fields as the so that they can put forward a more targeted, accurate and professional profile of their needs.

"At this point an alert triggers on the broker's dashboard so they can see a request has been made. The search request is sent directly to the operator, but carries the broker's branding and contact details. From this stage the system plays out in the same manner as the current Returnjet channel, where operator quotes come directly back to the broker who can then review, amend, re-request or forward onto the client, taking back ownership of the charter enquiry.

"One of the key benefits of our system is that the broker retains total control over their clients searches, and can where they see fit, amend quote requests to better suit the client's requirements.

"Our API is not intended to take away any of the brokers' ownership or interaction with their clients. Instead, we are giving them an added value channel that they can offer to their clients to increase engagement and loyalty with their client base. It's a real win-win for all parties involved. And as for the operator, they transact in the same way as they currently do through the Returnjet platform, so we aren't forcing any change in behaviours."

How is the Returnjet Broker API going to be made available to your brokers?

"We will provide simple code to brokers which they can integrate into their own website. Much in the same way as a client would add the code to run Google analytics on their site. It's very straightforward and we will of course offer support to help if they need it."

And what about a Returnjet App?

"This is also in development and due for release later in the summer."

And the cost?

"We will be making this widget available for free up to a certain usage level and capped for unlimited usage. What we want to do is encourage take up of the tool and then review the amount of traffic that is going through the system. Moving forward we will look to work closely with each broker to review their needs and where required we will be able to offer data upgrades or tailored amends to their particular dashboards so that they can remodel the system to their own needs. But for now, it's about getting the Returnjet Broker API out into the market and working with our brokers to see how, if and when development versions need to be considered."

Any final words?

"Yes, this project is very much about bringing a product to market that has been designed to meet the needs of our customer, namely the broker. Our API works the way that a broker needs it to work, not the way that we, the market or technology dictates it must work."