Business aviation procurement specialist Aviaa signed a cooperation agreement yesterday with Dubai-based Jetex (Booth 400). With 29 locations worldwide, and aspirations for up to 21 more over the next two years, Jetex president and CEO Adel Mardini views the agreement with Aviaa as an opportunity to further enhance his company’s presence in the market.

Matt Smith, Aviaa v-p of business development described his company’s business model: “If a business aviation company were to set up its own procurement department, they would need to add an experienced v-p at a high salary and benefits.” He said it often makes more sense to outsource procurement to a specialist. There is also the added benefit of group discounts and price negotiating leverage. “Group purchasing can bring big savings,” he said.

Aviaa helps member aircraft operators with maintenance, fuel, data, insurance, training, ground-handling, and operations. Along with Jetex, Aviaa counts among its partner companies the likes of UVair, Constant Aviation, and Satcom Direct. The company also works with one-off local MRO facilities. Smith said Aviaa researches where its members fly and what their needs are in selecting partners, large and small.

“This is a first for us to be working with an innovative disruptor like Aviaa,” said Mardini. “We have seen the traction they have quickly built up with their membership in the U.S. and Europe after just 18 months.”

On the supplier side, the Aviaa connection provides committed volume, business intelligence, customer insights, and a smoother customer interaction, without the overhead that would be needed for outreach. “All suppliers spend too much time and money acquiring customers, procuring services, and trying to optimize their businesses,” according to Aviaa.