Tag Archive: Paynode member stories

  1. Odyssey Airways Experiences Growth as Part 135 Operator

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    Products actively used:

    Avinode logotype
    Schedaero logotype
    Paynode logotype

    Who is Odyssey Airways

    Odyssey Airways LLC, originally established as a corporate flight department in 2006 and based in Tampa, Florida, has evolved into a trusted partner for private jet brokers seeking exceptional service and flexibility. In 2013, Odyssey Airways achieved a significant milestone when it obtained its Part 135 certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), officially becoming an on-demand air carrier. Read more about Odyssey Airways

    In 2016, they forged a valuable partnership with Avinode Group, a move that significantly streamlined their quoting workflow. “At Odyssey Airways, we understand the unique needs of private jet brokers. Our commitment to adaptability, efficiency, and collaborative technology sets us apart as a reliable partner in the world of private air travel. We invite private jet brokers to experience the Odyssey difference and discover the advantages of working with a partner dedicated to making every mission a success,” says Ryan Gucwa.

    The Situation: Expanding the business and winning deals

    Like all operators in the charter business, speed is key to success. As Odyssey transitioned from a corporate flight department to a part 135 operator, they had to build a process that included trip sheets, formal quotes, contracts, and everything else that came with chartering a flight. While their ambition was to get quotes out the door and win deals quickly, their process was still very manual.

    Ryan Gucwa, founder of Odyssey Airways, recognized that their quoting process was extremely manual and time-consuming. He would track expenses and create pricing in sheets, convert to PDF to improve its appearance, and then send the quotes via email. As they got busier, his personal life began to be impacted as he tried to get quotes out quickly.

    “I knew if I didn’t get them out quickly enough, we wouldn’t get the deal. “

    Signing up for Avinode helped the company reach a new audience and generate quotes much quicker. But with more trips came new challenges, including but not limited to managing paperwork for each trip, such as contracts, trip sheets, and more. With all this new business, it became apparent they needed to simplify and streamline their daily operations.

    The Solution: Maximize efficiency with tools designed to simplify operations

    Odyssey Airways was able to grow its business and maximize its efficiency by:

    Reaching new customer segments.

    Using Avinode allowed them to quickly reach a new subset of brokers and generate additional business that allowed them to grow their business. As the world’s largest and most advanced air charter sales and sourcing platform, Avinode is where the bizav industry connects daily.
    Join the Avinode network

    Streamlining the charter sales workflow.

    For operators of all sizes, speed is key when converting quotes to trips. As of September 2023, Odyssey Airways has sent over 12,000 quotes, an increase of 42% over the same period in 2022. With Schedaero, the team at Odyssey Airways could execute more quotes in less time than it previously took by automating and streamlining the process. Schedaero allows users to improve their workflow when converting quotes to booked trips. Thanks to this workflow, Odyssey saw an increase of 28% in booked trips from 2022.

    Get started with a more efficient workflow

    Keeping pilots informed.

    While growing, Odyssey could see how Schedaero made communications between teams easier. Once trips are booked, dispatch can inform pilots of assigned trips seamlessly via the Crew App. The app notifies pilots of the upcoming trip and provides them with all the important information, such as the passenger details, trip sheets, and itinerary. Additionally, pilots can utilize the Schedaero Crew App to update duty and flight logs on their iOS devices from anywhere. Once updated, operators can view it at any one of their bases of operations.

    Have a look at the crew app

    A workflow with integrated payments.

    Payment fraud is not unusual in the business aviation industry due to its high-value transactions and time-sensitive nature. Odyssey Airways was once the subject of attempted fraud for nearly $80,000, ending with the company closing its bank account to avoid future fraud. This experience led the company to start using Avinode Group’s integrated payment solution, Paynode. This solution provides you with online currency accounts in your name to settle payments faster. This helps keep your funds available and working for you worldwide.

    Avoid fraud with integrated payments

    Providing a better and easier booking experience.

    Odyssey Airlines highlighted a common problem in the industry: working in multiple systems to complete the booking means there are more places for payments or tasks to fall through the cracks and be forgotten. Our newest development allows users to showcase their offer to clients through a digital end-to-end experience while they keep track of bookings and payment information – all in one place.

    Existing members should reach out their CSM to learn more. New customers can get in contact with us today!

    Ryan said, “We did have some instances where we were chasing down transactions that were missed in the process. Now, it’s all gathered in one place and in an online booking experience, which means there are fewer ways for things to slip through the cracks, and that’s been helpful on our side.”

    Avinode Group is a partner in success for quoting and booking.

    “Avinode was a game-changer because it gave me the problem of having too many quotes and made me realize I was not working in an efficient way. Schedaero really helped me create trip sheets and quotes that look professional, including my terms and conditions. As the company has grown and we’ve added more pilots, I’ve realized how great it is that the Crew App helps me relay information to pilots.“

    Ryan Gucwa,
    Founder, Odyssey Airways, LLC.

    More about Odyssey Airways

    With a well-maintained fleet of four aircraft, Odyssey Airways takes pride in its unique approach to private air travel. Unlike traditional carriers, Odyssey does not adhere to rigid flight schedules. Instead, they empower their customers with the freedom to fly on their own schedules, offering unparalleled flexibility and convenience.

    Beyond their owned aircraft, Odyssey boasts an extensive network of partner aircraft, ranging from helicopters to jets. This expansive network ensures they can meet the demands of private jet brokers and their clients promptly. Whether it’s a last-minute charter request or a planned mission, Odyssey Airways is equipped to deliver on-time, reliable service to destinations across the globe.


    Ready to start improving efficiency with us?

    Everything our team does is geared towards fixing the finer points of business aviation for you and your customers. Utilizing Avinode, Schedaero, and Paynode for your charter operations keeps communication flowing between departments, from quoting to scheduling and collecting payment. Connect with us to learn how Avinode Group solutions can improve your operation.

  2. Mike Prachar – How Paynode is proving to be the perfect payment partner for this fast-growing operator

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    Hi Mike. Can you tell us a little about Volato

    We are a full-service private aviation company that primarily operates the HondaJet. We offer fractional ownership, the Stretch Jet Card, charter and aircraft management. In our fractional program, by offering shares down to a 16th size, we remove the cost of entry barrier for more people who want to get involved and enjoy the benefits of private jet ownership.

    What’s special about our model is that owners in our fractional program can fly as little or as much as they like, and they earn a revenue share every time their aircraft flights a live mission – even when they fly. The HondaJet is perfect for four passenger missions, is 40% less expensive to operate, is quieter, and yet has all the comfort and luxury of larger jets.


    And I believe you’re growing fast

    Yes, we are. We’re getting a lot of requests for larger aircraft, which is something we weren’t planning to do right away, but we’ve listened to our customers.

    We have 11 HondaJets in the fleet with 18 more on order and we just announced our order for four Gulfstream G280s in a ten passenger configuration that we will also fractionalize.  

    Our charter operations incorporate an even broader range of modern aircraft. These are exciting times for sure.


    How did you first come to use Paynode?
    When we were exploring how to best manage payments on the charter side, it made sense to choose a solution that was as close to turnkey as you can get. Paynode was an easy choice for us because it ticked that box, plus we were already Schedaero and Avinode customers since day.

    With the revenue share model we offer, we want to fly our planes as much as possible to offset our owners’ costs. If they themselves only fly a little each year, the majority of their costs can be covered by us. That’s where Avinode and Paynode play a big part in our story.


    How about dealing with other brokers who are Paynode users?
    That’s something we’re not taking as much advantage of just now, but we hope to do more of in the future. We have a couple of customers buying from us through Paynode, and it’s so nice to avoid the whole wire situation. As Paynode’s footprint grows – especially here in the US – we’ll be doing even more of that for sure.


    What features would you say offer the biggest benefit to your business?

    Not so much a feature, but I find the entire process of managing a reservation very easy with Paynode.
    From placing a credit card hold, then either collecting the money on the card or, if the ACH comes in time, switching to that and being able to manage that as a single translation. In my opinion, that’s the most useful feature in terms of saving us time.

    Paynode also manages credit card holds seamlessly and removes the complexity that you find with the standard direct banking way of doing things.


    And what would you improve?

    There are a few improvements that I’d like to see which would enhance Paynode.

    Right now, there’s a ten day hold on the system, and it’s not always clear when these are going to expire. Some form of notification on this would be helpful. Also, if we have to do a refund there’s no way to do that or track it with Paynode. It would be nice if we could design something into the system that makes this easier to manage.

    Having said that, the overall concept of Paynode is really sound, and the feature set is very good. It would just be even better with these new additions.


    How have you found using the Paynode system?

    Personally, I was shown the system, and was up and running right away. It’s that straightforward. Part of the beauty of Paynode is that you train your team – like we did with our Charter Sales team – and it just works.

    It enables them to always be fully aware of what’s happening. They can access the payment mechanisms and know when cash comes in, without having to go back and forth to accounting all the time. Also, we don’t have to give every team member access to more of the financial system than they need.


    So, you’re happy with what Paynode brings to Volato

    Absolutely. The integration with Avinode is a big deal for us. Avinode is one of our key input streams for charter business and as long as there continues to be enough business for us on the platform, we’re happy there.

    We have a number of accounts payable and accounts receivable mechanisms in and out of the company, and we’re very happy keeping the charter business on Paynode. We haven’t found the need to look for a better solution, and I don’t think there even is one that’s more tailored to the charter industry.

  3. Becky Bakeman – How Paynode helps keep things simple for this complex business.

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    I see that RAI Jets has a very broad remit, Becky

    Yes, we do a lot of different things. There’s aircraft charter, aircraft management and maintenance, we have hanger space, and we have our own fuel farm so we can fuel our aircraft and those of our hanger tenants. 

    Our main base is in Kalamazoo, Michigan, but we also manage the airport for the city of Sturgis. 


    You’ve been an Avinode member for many years too

    Oh yes, it seems like forever! We’ve also been using Schedaero for a long time – we’re probably one of the first customers. 

    We’ve had nothing but good experiences with Avinode and Schedaero, so it was a simple decision to also begin using Paynode. I think I first heard about Paynode through an email from the Avinode guys, or maybe at the Scheduler Dispatcher convention, but I’m glad we made the leap because it’s changed our business massively.


    What was life like before Paynode?

    As a business, we use a smaller bank – a credit union – and in the past, getting funds wired was not as simple as it should be. Also, we couldn’t accept credit card payments through the bank, so we had to use our own credit card machine. We even tried the credit card payment functionality of our accounting program, but that too was far from ideal. 


    There are many strands to your business. What challenges does that pose and how does Paynode help with these?

    Obviously we see a lot of funds coming in all the time, and we also send a lot out as well, so Paynode helps us keep track of everything.

    There’s also plenty of paperwork to do. With Paynode, it’s so nice to have all our documentation already filled out for the companies we work with regularly. I’d say that having all that information saved – so I don’t have to type it in every time when dealing with a repeat customer – is the feature I love best about Paynode. 

    The old way would see me complete a form by hand, scan it in, then fax it to my bank because they wouldn’t accept email. Then I’d have to wait for them to call me back, review the form with me and make sure I am who I say I am before approving the release of funds. Even then, things didn’t always go smoothly. 

    Now, I just go into Paynode, fill out the information once and hit send. Then I get my email confirmation. It’s that easy. 


    So no more having to deal with banks around incoming funds

    Thankfully not. In the past, our credit union used an intermediary bank, so funds would go to a bigger bank first, then to our bank, then into our account. 

    The problem is that there’s often a step that customers would miss, so the funds would go to the big bank and sit there in limbo because they didn’t know where to put them. I would have to make countless phone calls to sort things out.

    Now, with Paynode, I have no issues. The funds go in and we’re ready to go.


    It must be nice having everything in one system

    Yes, it really is. I like to have all my charter funds in one place so when I reconcile that account, all I’m looking at are my flights. 

    In my other bank I have all sorts of funds going in and out – everything from buying jet fuel and landing fees to catering and office supplies – so it’s very helpful to isolate those funds that are specifically related to our aircrafts’ movements.


    Are there any other features in Paynode that you find really useful?

    In the past, once every couple of years, I’d have a customer in, say Canada, trying to send me funds. It was always a fiasco. But with Paynode there’s no problem thanks to the different currency accounts we have set up. Dealing with different currencies is now effortless.


    Would you recommend Paynode to other companies in the aviation space?

    I would definitely recommend Paynode. It’s simple and makes life easier. 

    For us – because we also use Avinode and Schedaero – everything is joined up and it  works so well. There are so many little details that save us time. For example, I know that all my wire information is on my quotes, which is one less thing for me to think about. 

    The good thing is that I’m starting to see a lot more companies coming onboard now. It used to be that I was the only one in my network that I saw with the little Paynode symbol, but that’s defiantly changing.


    Want to simplify your payments? Join Paynode today. No fee to sign up, no subscription costs, and no monthly minimums. It’s all included in your Avinode membership. Read more here.

  4. Brad Searls – How being part of the Avinode system means you can trust in Paynode. 

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    You’ve been in the charter business for more than two decades, Brad 

    That’s right, I’ve been a pilot for many, many years, before recently founding The Jet Guys. We’re a charter brokerage company and we also advertise aircraft management for part 91 use only. Although we’re in our early years, we’re seeing some really encouraging growth. 


    Were you familiar with Avinode from your time flying?

    Yes, I was. When working for another company about seven years ago – I was a captain on one of their planes plus I took care of the charter brokering side of things for them – I suggested using Avinode. Then, when I started The Jet Guys, I went straight back to Avinode because it’s the biggest and the best out there in my opinion. 


    Is that how you heard about Paynode?

    It was, yes. We were looking for the most trusted way for clients to pay us and for us to pay operators. Also, being able to accept credit cards from clients was key to us. 

    Paynode ticked all these boxes and offered the bonus of being linked with the Avinode system, which means we can do everything in one place. I don’t know of any other platform right now that offers what Avinode and Paynode do.


    How do you find Paynode to use?

    It’s simple and intuitive. There have been a few occasions where I’ve had to call on the Paynode team for support – I had issues with a couple of last minute wires and the guys were great and even helped speed things up – but really, I’ve had no troubles with the system.


    And have you seen the benefits that come with using Paynode?

    For sure. Paynode creates great efficiencies for us in the way we wire funds, handle credit card payments and can make currency exchanges if we need to in the future. I’ve not had to use my local bank for any of these tasks, thanks to Paynode.

    Being able to request payments from the client directly in the system is so quick and easy. Just sending them that link saves me having to leave the system. The credit card feature also saves me time when I’m doing follow up billing for catering and ground transportation. 


    Are there any issues that could be looked at to make Paynode better?

    I think the only hiccup is around when funds are released to me. If someone wants to pay for a flight with a credit card, I always have to front the amount because I don’t receive the money in time to pay the operator several days prior to the trip. 

    That’s not just a Paynode thing, I’ve looked at other merchant accounts and it seems like they too – for that amount of money – want to hold it for a period for security reasons. I understand that’s how things are, but it would be great if it wasn’t the case.


    So, you’re looking forward to seeing a greater take-up of Paynode across the industry?

    I really am. I would say to brokers and operators everywhere that signing up to Paynode will simplify life for us all – especially when dealing with last minute trip requests around the weekend where banks are closed and the operators wants their money. 

    There have been several occasions where I’ve wished an operator had Paynode because I could pay them instantly, no matter what day it is. I want them to be paid and happy, and to know that they’re dealing with a good broker they can trust. Paynode is key to this. 


    Want to simplify your payments? Join Paynode today. No fee to sign up, no subscription costs, and no monthly minimums. It’s all included in your Avinode membership. Read more here.

  5. Vladimir Bogaychuk – How Paynode brings speed to the fast-moving world of business aviation.

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    Hi, Vladimir. Tell us about CTR Atmospherica Aviation
    Well, we’re a Prague-based operator that’s been providing private aviation services since 2006. We have a really professional team and a fleet of aircrafts ranging from entry level to super midsize jets. This allows us to be flexible in the trip solutions we offer.

    As we’re growing a lot, we hope to add two more aircraft to our fleet this year and another next year. We’re also expanding the geography of our flights and investing in the quality of service we provide. 


    Do you remember how you first heard about Paynode?

    We were already an Avinode customer – we have been since 2013 – so I think it was through a pop-up message that tells you about new features and options. Then I got an invitation for an online webinar where Paynode was described in more detail. 

    After attending that, I just knew we had to start using Paynode. Also, as Avinode members, we had no concerns about using another product from a trusted vendor that we’ve had a long successful history with.


    What was the biggest factor in your decision?

    The main reason was to take advantage of the benefits that come with making instant payments. Being able to sort payments, stress-free and within minutes – whether it’s a bank day or not – is a game-changer. This really makes the booking process simpler and more efficient.


    Would you say that instant payments are your preferred payment option where possible?

    For sure. It’s a great feature because it makes our life easier. It eliminates risks and gives you more room to concentrate on other flight preparation aspects instead of payment issues.


    Can you remember your first Paynode payment?

    Yes. There was a situation where we couldn’t receive the wire transfer before the flight was due to happen at the weekend, so it was an ideal time to use Paynode instant payment. It was one of those occasions where both the broker and I were happy to see the Paynode user icon on each other’s profile. The whole process was easy, quick and stress-free.


    How else has Paynode made life easier for you as a business?

    One of the currency accounts that we use in Paynode is a GBP account, which means we now have greater flexibility when working with our UK-based partners. There are no currency exchange fees to pay and the payment is as fast as a domestic transfer.


    What Paynode features do you like best?

    The business aviation sector is known for its high-workflow intensity. What I really like about Paynode is the automatic notifications, confirmations and history logs that let you easily control payment processes.

    Another Paynode tool that we use a lot is the card hold feature. It’s secure, quick to process, and so well designed that we completely moved to this solution with regards to all credit card operations.


    That’s great to hear that you handle all credit card transactions through Paynode 

    It’s so easy, and the information the feature provides is excellent. I like that you get email notifications on all key statuses of the payment, such as authorization or credit card hold expiration. 

    Also, sometimes the value of a transaction changes. When that happens, you don’t need to start the process from point zero, you just copy the original form and change the details that you need. This feature is very useful when you’re working on an urgent flight.


    From your perspective, how could Paynode be improved further?

    I’d like to see the credit card hold extended. Occasionally, the current six day period is not enough to pay the broker and receive funds to our account. In this situation, you’re either left without a guarantee for some time, or the broker must put on hold the same amount again.

    If it was possible to send a request to the client to confirm the extension of the hold and, after confirmation extend it, this would solve the issue.


    The number of brokers and operators using Paynode has doubled since you came on board last summer. What would you say to any partner considering Paynode?

    I would say join us. The more brokers and operators using Paynode, the better things will be for the whole industry. Just imagine how great it would be if any confirmed flight between Avinode users could be instantly paid for via Paynode. 

    I’d recommend Paynode to anyone. It will make your life easier and when you’re running a business, you can’t put a price on that.



    Want to simplify your payments? Join Paynode today. No fee to sign up, no subscription costs, and no monthly minimums. It’s all included in your Avinode membership. Read more here.

  6. JetClub – How Paynode offers the human touch that means so much.

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    Hi, Salvatore. Please tell us a little about JetClub

    Well, JetClub is a European company created by Co-Founders Vishal Hiremath and Glenn Gonzales who started operations last year. The business has seen good growth and reputation in Europe.

    Things are going very well at the moment – we’re growing up fast. 


    As you grow it’s so important to have the best possible payment system in place

    For sure, and we knew that a traditional bank on its own was not really the answer. Sometimes it’s difficult to deal with banks when you’re a totally new company like we were in Europe. 

    We currently use Paynode and also a traditional electronic bank. It’s difficult to work with the bank because there are many issues, and each time you have to call the customer service line, they can’t help you. 

    With a bank, we don’t have the personal relationship that we need. Paynode gives us that.


    It sounds like you were looking for a payment partner more than anything

    That’s exactly right, and as the key person in the company using Paynode day-to-day, that was essential for me.

    With Paynode we found a partner and a friend. I can’t speak highly enough of Paynode staff, Brenton Melville and Evelyn Franco. From the beginning they’ve always been available to help us figure out solutions to our problems. And if they don’t know the answer, they work to find it.


    That personal service sounds particularly important to you

    Absolutely. Maybe it’s my Sicilian nature but human connection means a lot to me. I prefer to speak to a person on the phone instead of by email where possible. By talking you can understand the tone of their voice and the attitude of the person. 

    If I do have to send an email to the Paynode team, I know I won’t need to send a reminder because I’ll receive a reply quickly. Even if there’s no solution, the response will be, “Salvatore, I’m working on it for you.”


    Is there anything that Paynode can’t do that you’d like it to?

    One thing that I know is being worked on is the inclusion of bank statements. I currently have to request those, but they’re always provided quickly. Our auditor recently asked for something different from normal bank statements and the Paynode guys sorted it out, no problem. 

    Also, being able to obtain a Paynode issued credit card would be great.


    Tell me how Paynode makes your life easier

    It simply saves me time every day. For example, if I need to send a bank transfer or a wire transfer in another currency – such as Swedish Krona – I can do that in seconds. Even with currencies that we don’t use very often, I have the exchange rate there, right in front of me, immediately. 

    If I were to use our Swedish bank account to make that payment, I’d have to send an email and wait maybe two hours for a reply, then another couple of hours to complete the transaction. That’s useless if we need to land in a Swedish airport in five minutes’ time. 

    In our industry we don’t have time to wait, and with Paynode we don’t have to. 


    So, you’re happy with Paynode?

    Of course, 100%. It’s a very intuitive system and you don’t need a degree in finance to make a payment or find information easily.

    There are other companies who offer a similar product, but I have a strong bond with Paynode and the people behind it. Evelyn and Brenton have helped in so many ways and we have a mutual trust that I value. 


    Finally, can you see any reasons why people would not use Paynode?

    The big issue is that many people still think traditional banks are the only solution. The truth is that those banks are now very slow and old fashioned. 

    Convincing clients to use Paynode is not always easy, but I work hard to show them how Paynode is the perfect option. I don’t need to send the POP to prove I’ve made a payment because they receive the funds instantly. It couldn’t be simpler.

    Interested in simplifying your payments? Welcome to Paynode, your new comfort zone.