AVCARD Devotes Manpower to Fuel Negotiating

Electronic automation, such as Avcard's multipurpose charge card, might be widespread and effective but on its own can't singlehandedly procure affordable fuel for general aviation operations. That challenging process takes extra legwork and minds these days and is the genesis behind Avcard's 24/7 fuel dispatch department, a complimentary service that was created to negotiate bulk fuel prices and pass the savings on to Avcard clients.

"With fuel prices at their current levels everyone is looking for any opportunity to obtain the lowest price possible," says Warren Boin, Avcard's vice president of marketing and business development. "We have the ability to negotiate even lower prices with suppliers based on volume or other special circumstances."

Prices can be guaranteed up to one month out - a significant perk in an era when fuel prices can fluctuate daily - and in effect enable users to more accurately forecast fuel costs.

Boin credits the new dispatch department with boosting Avcard's contract fuel sales by approximately 17.2 percent in six months.

Avcards are also used for purchasing ground-handling services at FBOs. Users receive a consolidated bill that tracks all services, and itemizes savings that they have gained.

Roughly 10,000 Avcard users charge FBO expenses to their card at more than 7,200 locations in 190 countries. Cardholders include corporate flight departments, charter, fractional and small airline operators.