Broker and operator
| Operator | Broker | |
|---|---|---|
| Owns or manages aircraft | Yes | No |
| Holds the air operator certificate | Yes | No |
| Offers | Its own fleet | Aircraft from many operators |
| Responsible for the flight | Yes | For the organisation and the client relationship |
| Paid by | The charter price | A margin in the charter price |
Why use a broker
An operator offers the aircraft it has, where they are. A broker sees many fleets, so it can offer the aircraft that is already near you, the right size, at the right price, and replace it quickly if something changes. For one way trips and peak dates this usually means a lower price and more choice.
How to tell a serious broker
It names the operator and the aircraft type with its year in the offer, and the tail number before the flight. It shows the total price with airport costs. It gives you a written contract and clear cancellation terms. It answers outside office hours, because aviation does.
