Search
Search
  • Login

AVFUEL ON TOP OF FUELING NEEDS AS HURRICANE HARVEY TORE THROUGH TEXAS

ANN ARBOR, Mich. / September 1, 2017 / GENERAL AVIATION NEWS – In the wake of Hurricane Harvey, Avfuel’s logistics and dispatch department maintains open lines of communication with customers for reliable fuel supply; the result has been a 30 percent increase in fuel deliveries, which aid the region in evacuation, search and rescue, and relief efforts. Operating around the clock, the team’s ultimate goal is to provide reliable fuel supply and efficient communication while prioritizing the safety of all parties involved.

“When it comes to natural disasters, we are proactive in getting ahead of the storm and our customers’ fuel needs,” said Ben Spence, Avfuel’s dispatch manager. “Our redundant supply situation and sophisticated logistic systems allows our definitive experts to handle unforeseen weather emergencies like Hurricane Harvey.” 

Such proactive measures help ensure FBOs receive fuel to evacuate passengers and planes, keep tanks heavy for stability during storms, and sustain operations for medivac and helicopters, relief efforts and their tenants’ return. 

For FBOs in locations directly hit by a storm, providing them with fuel proactively is often the only chance to deliver the fuel safely—if roads are closed or the safety of the hauler becomes an issue, a truck can’t be dispatched. So in order to best serve these customers, it’s imperative for Avfuel’s dispatch team to be way ahead of the game and continuously monitor the storm to stay abreast of its path. Then, once the storm clears, it’s all about helping the FBOs get back up and running to full capacity as soon as possible. 

“One of the most important aspects of fuel supply in the wake of a natural disaster is open lines of communication,” said Spence. “We work closely internally with our supply and management team, as well as Avplan Trip Support, whose in-house meteorologists monitor the storm’s trajectory so we know who will be most affected and where the storm may be headed next.”  

This is an around-the-clock effort. Each staff member is highly-qualified to make informed decisions on fueling sources and transportation at any time of day, every day. 

Spence continued, “This means having more people in the office 24/7/365 than we would normally need. It’s the only way to ensure we serve our customers with the speed and efficiency they require for reliable supply; it’s a necessity and it’s a team effort.” 

And no matter how proactive a logistics team and its FBOs are with planning, reactive measures must always be taken. Storms like Hurricane Harvey are unpredictable—Avfuel’s dispatch team continues to closely monitor the storm’s path, adjust plans and contact additional customers who may need fuel support with a shift in storm trajectory. 

“Our team stays on the job throughout the whole process,” said Spence. “Before, during and after the hurricane we’re calling customers at their FBOs—or on their cell phones if they’re closed—reassessing their needs and finding the necessary supply. Even if an FBO isn’t right in the storm, if their primary supply terminal is compromised, or if we think they’re going to be a hub for relief efforts, we need to communicate with them as well. This gets compounded with the normal day-to-day supply complications that pop up from all around our network, such as wildfires, terminals that are down for maintenance, special events and more. Those needs don’t dissipate when there’s a hurricane.” 

These day-to-day activities and scheduled events are what keep the Avfuel dispatch team prepared for emergency events. Though large events such as the Super Bowl and NASCAR races are planned in advance, it keeps the crew’s ability to pull a high volume of fuel for numerous FBOs from multiple supply points sharp. 

“Obviously with a weather emergency, there’s more of a reactive element at play, but big events help keep us prepared for natural disasters,” said Spence. “And after each event—planned or otherwise—we’re debriefing and looking at where we can improve our efficiencies.” 

In addition to its dispatch department, Avfuel’s quality assurance team is available 24/7/365; the team’s availability is a key service after a natural disaster to help assess any damage that may have occurred to fueling equipment or the integrity of the operation’s aviation fuel so safe operations can resume.

ABOUT AVFUEL

Avfuel provides fuel and services to the global aviation industry and is the leading independent supplier in the United States. Established as a supply and logistics company more than 40 years ago, Avfuel is core competent in every aspect that surrounds the delivery of fuel – from refinery to wingtip. Avfuel combines global access with personalized service throughout a fueling network of more than 3,000 locations worldwide and 650+ Avfuel-branded dealers. Our 100% dedication to aviation demonstrates our passion and commitment to a global community that prospers on the movement of goods and services around the world.

Contacts       

Avfuel Corporation: Marci Ammerman, Vice President Marketing, 734-663-6466, [email protected], www.avfuel.com, facebook.com/avfuel, Twitter: @Avfuel

Welcome

 
 
Keep me logged in should only be selected for a private computer. This will allow for a longer period of inactivity before signing you out.
Go