Challenge

A U.S. energy company experienced growth in demand for its oilfield services crews throughout the country. Crews were stretched thin across multiple remote areas, and senior management determined that commercial air transportation was not viable — with limited time to analyze the alternatives and set up a comprehensive travel schedule.

Solution

PJS analyzed the company's situation and identified the specific challenges: lift for 40 passengers every two weeks to locations where commercial service was limited or badly connected; frequent last-minute passenger additions or name changes; more cargo than commercial carriers allow; and the ability to adjust quickly to changing locations.

PJS then presented three viable solutions:

• Multiple rotations using a range of smaller aircraft.
• A 50-seat regional jet on a predetermined schedule.
• A dedicated 50-seat regional jet, giving the company its own aircraft asset to use as needed.

Result

In consultation with PJS, the company chose the dedicated aircraft, because it could move crews to multiple locations and adjust to changing market factors — altering departure times and locations as crews completed work and moved between regions. With the aircraft at its disposal, the company moved 100 passengers a day plus additional cargo, with total travel time of two hours each way. Beyond the cost savings, the company saw an increase in employee retention, as personnel had more time with their families when off-site.