Newly launched US technology-based aircraft staffing company CrewBlast seeks to streamline the process of staffing private aviation crews. It claims that private aviation has experienced record growth in recent years, in part fuelled by the pandemic, but the industry has not been immune to the labour shortages currently affecting businesses across the country. In addition, staffing for aviation companies has always been challenging given regulatory requirements for mandatory crew rest, as well as the need for qualified and trained personnel.

Historically, it continues, staffing has been arranged by agencies that operate rather slowly and are often incapable of keeping pace with the needs or wants of private aviation customers. CrewBlast aims to approach things differently: its system has a database of qualified pilots and flight attendants that have registered and downloaded its crew app. When an operator is in need of staffing, a 'blast' is sent via push notification directly to the mobile devices of all crew members registered, and they can respond immediately, resulting in fast and accurate crew staffing.

“The old way of staffing just wasn't working well for the aviation industry,” comments president Timothy Griffin. “We knew there was a better way to do it by harnessing technology. Everyone carries a phone today, so that means we have a direct line to our entire database of personnel at the push of a button. Just last week we crewed a flight that needed last minute pilots in under 10 minutes; that is what we are striving for.”

CrewBlast's technology works around the world.