What are the differences between an airline broker like AEROAFFAIRES and a business aviation operator?

In the business aviation sector, two categories of players play a key role in organizing private flights: on the one hand, air operators, who directly operate a fleet of aircraft or helicopters, and on the other, air brokers, such as AEROAFFAIRES, who put customers in touch with certified operators.

At first glance, their missions may seem similar, since they are both involved in organizing a private jet trip. However, their responsibilities, their positioning and the benefits they bring to passengers differ radically.

Understanding these differences is essential for anyone wishing to charter a private jet, whether for business or pleasure. It’s also the key to understanding why an airline broker has become the preferred partner of thousands of travelers around the world.

The airline operator: focused on its own fleet

The role and obligations of the operator

An air operator is a company that owns or manages a fleet of aircraft. To operate, the operator must obtain an Air Transport Certificate (AOC), issued by the relevant authorities. This official document certifies that the operator complies with all applicable safety and compliance standards.

The operator is responsible for the operation of his aircraft. Its missions include

• aircraft maintenance and technical compliance ;
• crew planning and management
• operational preparation of flights;
• providing aircraft exclusively from its own fleet.

The limits of a restricted offer

While the operator guarantees a high level of safety, its offer remains limited to the composition and availability of its fleet. For example, an operator based in Paris can only offer an aircraft it owns, which may not be available or may be parked in another city.

This limits the customer’s flexibility, both in terms of choice of aircraft and price. An operator cannot always offer the best solution on a particular route, nor can he respond effectively to ultra-urgent demand.

In short, the operator is first and foremost a technical operator focused on his fleet, not an objective advisor to passengers.

The airline broker: an independent expert at the customer’s service

Valuable neutrality

Unlike operators, air brokers do not own aircraft. Their role is to act as a neutral, objective intermediary, defending passengers’ interests exclusively.

As a benchmark air broker, AEROAFFAIRES competes with hundreds of certified operators worldwide. This independence guarantees the customer not a fixed solution, but the best possible option according to his specific needs.

A complete consulting and organization service

The work of an air broker is much broader than that of an operator. He begins by analyzing every detail of the request: the planned itinerary, the desired timetable, the number of passengers, baggage constraints, but also preferences in terms of comfort or standing.

Once this need has been clearly identified, the broker compares all possible solutions with the operators available. He selects the aircraft corresponding to the specifications, optimizes the quality/price ratio, and then organizes the entire trip.

A door-to-door experience

With AEROAFFAIRES, the role of an air broker doesn’t stop at simply booking the aircraft. It involves orchestrating the entire trip, from the moment the customer leaves home to the final arrival.

This includes :

• organization of private transfers (chauffeur, helicopter, limousine) ;
• on-board catering, adapted to dietary preferences;
• medical assistance, if required (medical repatriation, medical flight);
• coordination with commercial flights to ensure seamless continuity.

In this sense, the air broker is much more than a simple intermediary: he is the conductor of your air travel orchestra, capable of removing constraints and optimizing every stage.

Air broker or operator: the impact on flexibility and cost

Flexibility and choice of aircraft

An operator is limited to his fleet, which restricts the options available. A broker, on the other hand, has access to several thousand aircraft. At AEROAFFAIRES, customers can choose from over 8,000 private jets and helicopters.

This diversity means they can always find the aircraft best suited to their mission: an economy jet for a short trip, an ultra-long-haul aircraft for a transcontinental flight, or a helicopter for a high-altitude landing.

Speed and responsiveness

When an urgent flight request arises, a broker can find an available aircraft in less than 30 minutes and organize a take-off in just 2 hours. This level of responsiveness is difficult to achieve with an operator who depends on the location of its fleet.

Cost optimization

A broker like AEROAFFAIRES can negotiate directly with several operators and compare their prices to obtain the fairest fare. This gives passengers the assurance of paying the best value for money, whereas an operator only offers its own prices, without any competition.

Why choose AEROAFFAIRES as your benchmark air broker?

Recognized expertise

Founded over 30 years ago, AEROAFFAIRES has organized over 20,000 private flights worldwide. Its team of experts has in-depth knowledge of the European and international aviation markets.

A unique worldwide network

With access to over 8,000 aircraft and helicopters, AEROAFFAIRES can charter an aircraft anywhere in the world. Whether it’s a Paris-New York flight by private jet, a domestic flight in Spain or a helicopter transfer in the Alps, the solutions available are infinite.

Unrivalled responsiveness

Responsiveness is one of the keys to customer confidence. AEROAFFAIRES offers solutions in just a few minutes, and guarantees rapid availability for all types of mission: business flights, private trips, sporting events or medical repatriations.

A concrete environmental commitment

AEROAFFAIRES is also distinguished by its commitment to the environment. Aware of today’s air transport issues, the company offsets 100% of the CO₂ emissions generated by its flights, enabling travelers to combine flexibility, prestige and responsibility.

Top-of-the-range, tailor-made service

Each customer benefits from a single point of contact available 24/7. This proximity guarantees personalized follow-up, from booking to return. This tailor-made support is a guarantee of comfort and peace of mind that few service providers can offer.

When should I choose an airline broker rather than an operator?

For urgent flights

When you need to find an aircraft that’s available very quickly, the expertise of an air broker is indispensable. Its international network means you’ll find a far more efficient solution than you would with a single operator.

To optimize your budget

The broker puts several operators in competition with each other, enabling the passenger to benefit from controlled fares. For an equivalent journey, a broker can often obtain a lower price than that offered directly by an operator.

For a global service

If the trip requires ground transfers, coordination with commercial flights or top-of-the-range services, the air broker quickly becomes the essential solution, whereas an operator would limit itself to making its aircraft available.

The future of air brokerage in business aviation

The role of the air broker is becoming increasingly important in a fast-changing market. Passengers are looking for more than just an aircraft rental: they want a seamless, flexible and personalized experience.

What’s more, with the gradual democratization of private flights, thanks in particular to empty legs (flights offered at advantageous rates), the broker is becoming an essential player in making business aviation more accessible.

Finally, the ecological dimension is driving a transformation of the sector. Brokers like AEROAFFAIRES, by adopting active carbon offset policies and working with responsible operators, are contributing to the emergence of more sustainable private aviation.

Conclusion: independence as a guarantee for the customer

Choosing between an airline broker and an operator depends above all on the traveler’s expectations. The operator remains essential for its role as operator and its technical expertise, but it is limited by its fleet and availability.

Air brokers, on the other hand, offer incomparable freedom. Thanks to its independence and extensive network, it guarantees passengers unlimited choice, maximum flexibility and a truly tailor-made travel experience.

With AEROAFFAIRES, travel becomes a personalized, no-holds-barred experience, where every detail is designed to offer comfort, safety and efficiency, whatever the destination.

Contact our experts: charter@aeroaffaires.com
+33 1 44 09 91 82