Business aviation technology leader Avinode Group is launching Avinode Aid, a goodwill initiative utilising Avinode technology to assist the aviation community in its relief efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. Avinode Aid is providing a new service allowing operators to place available ambulance aircraft and helicopters on the Avinode platform for free.

Avinode Aid is accessible to all operators whether or not they are existing Avinode members. The initiative ensures ambulance-only aircraft are not open to passenger flight requests, so operators can respond to urgent medical transportation enquiries quickly and efficiently.

Brokers can easily find available fixed-wing air ambulances by filtering search results, whilst medical helicopters will be placed in a separate category in Avinode's helicopter search. New ambulance aircraft placed on the platform will be further promoted through Avinode's email communications and social media, so brokers can quickly find the flight option they need to assist a client's relief efforts.

Per Marthinsson, EVP, Avinode Group, says: “It is critical for the business air charter community to collaborate during this pandemic, to find ways to bring special mission aircraft to those in need. Technology is an enabler of this collaboration. We are hopeful that by providing Avinode Aid as a free service for operators, we will connect brokers with the ambulance aircraft their customers need for medical transportation and humanitarian relief.”

Operators wishing to add their ambulance aircraft to Avinode can sign up on Avinode's website. The free service will initially last until the end of 2020, when demand will be evaluated depending on the state of the pandemic.

Avinode Aid is one of a series of actions Avinode is taking to support its members, including advising on travel restrictions impacting charter; providing a platform for members to post advice; and sharing data on charter demand to help the market take appropriate action.