Emma Kelly/LONDON
A group of former aerospace, airline and financial executives will announce details of a new global aerospace internet-based exchange in the next two months. FastAero.com claims it will be the first Europe-based truly neutral exchange for the industry and will be the only e-marketplace initiative with the technology to address the whole supply chain.
The London, UK-based venture aims to reveal details of its exchange, including financial backers, technology partners and launch customers, by June/July, says Marc Philippe, chief financial officer. Initial service is planned around the same time, with full operations in the fourth quarter.
FastAero.com, with former Aerospatiale and Lagadère senior executive Antoine Pupin as chief executive, is finalising financial backing for the $50 million venture. FastAero.com, which has completed a demonstrator of its exchange, is in talks with manufacturers and airlines.
FastAero.com's proposed services are similar to those announced by other aerospace exchanges, including Honeywell/ United Technologies' myAircraft. com, SITA/AAR's aerospan.com and the unnamed Boeing, Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems and Raytheon exchange.
It will provide a global real time business to business e-marketplace for aerospace spare parts, services and equipment for commercial and business aviation. The defence market will be addressed on an "opportunistic basis", says Philippe. The exchange will also provide industry information, including technical information and service bulletins.
The new venture says it differs from other exchanges as it will address the whole supply chain, from the purchase order and acknowledgement to shipment, automated matching and payment. FastAero.com says it is Europe's only neutral e-commerce marketplace, with no conflicts of interest.
• A travel website under development for almost 30 airlines is to be investigated by the US Department of Justice (DoJ). The DoJ has launched an investigation into the antitrust implications of the unnamed site, referred to as "T-2", set to begin operations by mid-year.
The site was announced in November by founders Delta, Continental, Northwest and United. Six US airlines, including American and US Airways, and 15 overseas carriers have signed letters of intent to join the site.
T-2 is planned as a direct competitor to internet-based travel companies such as travelocity.com, but has attracted the wrath of traditional travel agents.
The American Society of Travel Agencies (ASTA) says the antitrust investigation is in response to its filing for DoJ intervention. ASTA plans to ask the DoJ to probe"T-3", a joint website announced by 11 European carriers.
Source: Flight International