The company claims to have the first-ever global private jet app and to be a pioneer in offering 24/7 customer service providing follow-up confirmation within 15 minutes of booking so travelers can be in the air with as little as four hours notice. Blue Star Jets anticipates business to double as a result of launching the app.

“We are looking to simplify the buyer experience for jet flyers on the go,” said Ricky Sitomer, CEO of Blue Star Jets. “It is a natural transition of our business model to go mobile, as more and more people are transacting business from their phones.

“Our goal for the app is to be the leader in mobile app charter brokerage, as we are already the leader in regular charter brokerage,” he said.

Blue Star Jets was founded in 2001 and has completed over 100,000 flights globally. The company offers business executives, families and individuals who regularly travel on private aircraft the ability to fly privately without needing their own private jet.

On-demand booking
As consumers continue to embrace smartphones for business and vacation planning, Blue Star Jets recognized a need to provide on-demand booking capabilities for its customers.

The app, which is available on iOS and Android, offers access to real-time pricing, aircraft availability, jet comparisons and instant booking.

Top operators around the world are able to bid for each flight, enabling Blue Star Jets to offer competitively priced bookings.

The app enables users to search a favorite location or any global destination for round-trip, one-way and multi-leg flights. Users can access a full list of all available empty leg flights, which are either flying to or from their point of origin empty to pick up other charter clients.

Flyers can choose from a variety of options, including helicopters, turbo props, any corporate jet, an air ambulance, a cargo jet and a jumbo jet.

App vs. Web site
While a mobile booking app is a great way to ensure that loyal customers can quickly and easily be able to book a flight, some private jet companies are opting for a mobile Web site over an app.

For example, last month, private aviation brand XOJet launched a mobile-optimized site that acts similar to an app, but does not require any downloads from the consumer (see story).

“The [Blue Star Jets] experience is very user friendly,” Mr. Sitomer said. “Just input your trip destination and dates and the system will automatically give you options on the type of aircraft that you are looking for.

“Pick which option works for you, and input your credit card,” he said. “Once your card is on file, it will be even easier to book the next time.”

Final Take
Chantal Tode is senior editor on Mobile Commerce Daily, New York