Background

Air Charter Service is a successful company who provide their customers with charter aircraft all over the world.

In 2007 the global operation was run from 4 offices, namely: London, New York, Moscow and Dubai. The business plan was to open a global network of offices over the next two years, with the aim to double turnover in the next 5 years.

The web plays a critical role in marketing ACS' business. Propeller's role was to develop a scalable solution to the creation and management of new websites, including multi-lingual versions, to work seamlessly alongside the company's existing arrangements for Search Engine Optimisation and paid internet advertising.

Client Needed

ACS contacted Propeller when the volume and complexity of their existing website development and management, had already outgrown their existing solution. ACS needed a proven web development specialist working closely to help them deliver their plans.

Their expansion plans also meant that a new, more efficient approach to content and publishing would be required, to allow the Client to handle an ever increasing number of websites, languages and local marketing campaigns.

At the time, their web development plans were considerably behind schedule so a large degree of catch-up was necessary.

Solution

From the outset Propeller has engaged in Monthly meetings in which ideas and issues are discussed and expanded, and developed into action plans and projects. Propeller’s experience and knowledge allows us to work in a collaborative and consultative manner with ACS, dealing with business and technical issues efficiently and resolving requirements more effectively.

Propeller devised a unique solution for the content management of ACS’ network of existing sites, based on a centralised Content management Portal, which has grown to encompass over 45 websites and language versions.  This allows the UK-based marketing team to update and publish website content to sites all over the world.

Local hosting in 15 countries is managed and administrated by Propeller, which benefits ACS with improved performance and better Search engine results. Propeller has also worked closely with ACS to streamline the delivery of e-news sales messages to thousands of clients every week, via a global network of brokers

In addition to the network of sites in each of the 15 countries, Propeller has also collaborated closely with ACS to develop useful interactive resources which make it easier for their clients to do business with them. These include online Destination Guides, Aircraft guides, and specialists websites  detailing  ACS’ unique services to certain markets.

Alongside the public-facing websites which help in Marketing, Propeller has delivered a sophisticated global Intranet, which is used by 200 members of staff in 15 locations. This facilitates internal communication between offices, permits the management and sharing of key documents, links to the Content Management System to view website details, and contains unique applications to assist the company in tracking its use of resources and evaluations of suppliers. In addition, it also allows users to communicate in a more ‘social’ way, sharing images, ideas, and information about events.

Outcome

Air Charter Service turnover was £69 million in 2007 with plans to double in the next five years. This growth has almost been achieved in the first 3 years, reaching over £105 million in 2010, during which time the company has grown from 4 offices to 15, with more to be opened in the next year. Each of these offices has one or more websites, and associated online marketing activities, which are critical to their success and growth.