The bizav app is taking off

Do you own an Apple iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad? If so, you'll be glad to learn about the increasing number of apps that should be particularly useful to business jet travelers. Our sister publication, Aviation International News, has had an app for a while now, and BJT has just introduced one as well (see 'Put BJT in your pocket'). 

Flight Options, meanwhile, recently became the first big fractional-share operator to release an iPhone app (which also runs on the iPad). Thankfully the company didn't take the easy way out and just port its Web site to the app; instead, it developed a new program that allows its shareowners to have full access to their accounts. The app also offers fleet details; trip quotes; an airport search tool that lists all airports near a particular city and the FBOs at those airports; and a solid chunk of company information.

Other apps you might find useful include free ones from fixed-base operators Heritage Aviation and Atlantic Aviation. These let you look up detailed data on the FBOs, including directions, fuel prices and airport information. The Heritage app features an expense tracker and the ability to make service requests for fuel, maintenance, hangar space, catering, rental cars and hotels. As for weather forecasts, the iPad and iPhone come with a basic weather app, but you can get more comprehensive destination reports with software like the Weather Channel's free app or My-Cast Weather Radar, which costs $3.99.

Aviation companies are just getting started with app development, so keep an eye on the App Store. Many more bizav-related offerings will surely be available soon.