The Fly Louie and Hotel Connections teams are launching a crew travel programme for the independent charter operators in the Fly Louie Alliance. Fly Louie Crew Travel, powered by HotelConnect, offers up to 40 per cent savings on hotel stays at more than 1.6 million locations. The teams expect to offer Fly Louie Alliance members free access to the new tool as early as 15 June.

Hotel Connection's HotelConnect application is designed for aviation industry professionals, and will be the backbone of the Fly Louie Crew Travel programme. In addition to significant cost savings, Hotel Connections can work with select hotel properties to negotiate flexible cancellation policies, late checkouts and other amenities. Fly Louie Crew Travel is the latest benefit to be introduced to the independent charter operators in the Alliance membership.

Fly Louie CEO Julia Takeda notes: “We are so excited to be working with the Hotel Connections team. We've talked to more than 100 Fly Louie Alliance operators in recent weeks, and the cost and complexity of managing crew travel has been an ongoing pain point. We are excited that our independent operator members can access the same savings and benefits that Hotel Connect offers to some of the biggest and best commercial and private aviation companies.” Fly Louie Crew Travel will be offered free to all independent operators within the Alliance membership. Membership in the Fly Louie Alliance is also free.

The HotelConnect application aims to create attractive savings and added value benefits for air travel professionals. HotelConnect CEO Mike Appleton is optimistic about the new partnership: “We are excited to welcome Fly Louie to the HC family. The Fly Louie team's entrepreneurial spirit and drive to deliver innovation to the aviation industry are clearly aligned to our mission. As the preferred travel partner for the Fly Louie Alliance, we will provide their network of over 800 aircraft with our company's full capabilities including proprietary inventory, aviation exclusive rates and intelligent technology solutions.”

With travel volumes on the rise, private charter operators are eager to take advantage of any opportunity to boost profitability and speed the road to recovery. Fly Louie and Hotel Connections believe that the Fly Louie Crew Travel programme offers current and future Alliance members much-needed relief on a significant operational expense. Fly Louie will monitor sign-up and usage statistics, and expects to make adjustments to the programme as it learns more about the unique travel needs of independent charter operators.