Avinode Broker Link Manual

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1 Avinode Broker Link Manual Doc. version

2 Table of contents 1. Avinode Link About Set up Broker Link on your website Basic setup The <meta> tag The <link> tag The first <script> tag The second <script> tag The link-img folder Sign up for Google Maps Customizing with style sheet information Sample screenshots Customizing content Change Commission Edit Language Add/edit new language Upload category photos Change order of aircraft categories as displayed on your Broker Link Receiving and Handling Inquiries from Broker Link Receiving end client inquiry (demand) from your Broker Link Turn a demand into a search Marketing tips for Avinode Broker Link Search Engine Advertisement (Web) Magazine advertisement Known issues and solutions Underlying Flash objects displayed on top Google API key error message is displayed when using a valid key Right side of window not visible in Internet Explorer Doc. version

3 1. AVINODE LINK ABOUT Congratulations on your investment in Avinode Link! You have just purchased a very powerful marketing and sales tool to attract clients online through your website as well as to provide current clients with a 24/7 online customer service. It will also boost the professional appearance of your company website. Accurate quotes online through your website Avinode Link is an easy-to-use online quoting and trip builder tool serving your website visitors with instant price estimates on any route at any time. Website visitors are able to search, receive flight times, photos and price estimates that can also include your mark-up and send trip inquiries directly to you. All calculations are based on real pricing, performance and availability data aggregated from more than 3000 charter aircraft listed in Avinode's marketplace. Operator names are not revealed to the visitor. Enhance the look of your website In addition to the direct value Avinode Link provides you, it will also improve the look and feel of your website. This trip builder and quoting tool will make your website appear more professional and its dynamic information will increase the feeling of a "living" website. Easy-to-use and multilingual Avinode Link is self explanatory and easy-to-use even for visitors without any previous experience in air charter. Avinode Link is available in five different languages and charter quotes can be shown in all major currencies. Individual design The layout and appearance of Avinode Link is designed to fit your individual needs and company website. Avinode Link is based on Web Service technology enabling customers with specific requirements to integrate aircraft searching, quoting and itinerary information into any web site interface or custom application. Examples: alistjets.com aviationbroker.com flyepicjet.com profijet.com revolutionair.com smartaircharter.co m Doc. version

4 2. SET UP BROKER LINK ON YOUR WEBSITE 2.1 Basic setup To set up Broker Link you need to edit the HTML code of your website. Inside the existing <body> tag of your HTML page you must add a <div> tag with an id attribute. It is in this <div> tag that the Broker Link search form will be loaded. <body> <div id="avinode-broker-link" /> </body> Inside the existing <head> tag of your HTML page you must add two <script> tags. There is also an optional <meta> tag with which you can specify the default locale and an optional <link> tag pointing to a style sheet file. More information of each tag will follow below. <head> <meta name="gwt:property" content="locale=code" /> <link rel="stylesheet" href="css_file_path" type="text/css" /> <script type="text/javascript" src=" brokerlink.brokerlinkstandardclient/com.avinode.gwt.brokerlink.broke rlinkstandardclient.nocache.js"> </script> <script type="text/javascript"> function onavinodelinkready() { AvinodeBrokerLink.init('USERNAME', 'PASSWORD', 'DIV_ID', 'GOOGLE_API_KEY', 'DEFAULT_CURRENCY', 'LAYOUT'); } </script> </head> Doc. version

5 2.1.1 The <meta> tag The <meta> tag is used to specify the default language and also affects the date and time format. The CODE parameter must be replaced with one of: en en_us de fr es it ru nl Please note that the UPPER and lower case of the code must be exactly as stated above. The code en_us uses the date format mmddyy and the AM/PM format for time. All other codes uses the date format ddmmyy and the 24 hour time format. Note that the corresponding language must be set up on the Broker Link Settings page in order for this to work. Note that in order for US time format to work English (United States) See the Customizing Content chapter for instructions on how to edit the Broker Link Settings. The default currency will NOT be affected by this The <link> tag The <link> tag states where the browser can find a style sheet file (.css). The CSS_FILE_PATH parameter can be for example customlink.css and that means that there is a file with that name stored in the same folder as the html page. If the value is styles/customlink.css the file is stored in subfolder named styles. This tag is optional and should only be added if you plan on making changes to the default style by editing the style information in the.css file. See the Customizing with style sheet information chapter for more options on how to change the appearance of the Broker Link The first <script> tag The first <script> tag tells the browser where to find the code for the Broker Link. This code will execute when your page is loaded and populate the <div> tag with the search form. Please note that the value of the scr attribute must be typed without whitespaces The second <script> tag In the second <script> tag the parameters of the AvinodeBrokerLink.init method the must be replaced with your own values. USERNAME PASSWORD Your Avinode representative will provide a username and a password DIV_ID The id of the <div> tag you added in the your <body> tag. In the example above the id is: avinode-broker-link GOOGLE_API_KEY This is a long character key provided by Google that is unique for your website. Please see the Sign up for Google Maps chapter for more information. DEFAULT_CURRENCY Here you can specify the default currency for your Broker Link. The value must be the three letter code in UPPERCASE. Valid values are: AUD BGN CAD CZK DKK EEK EUR HKD HUF ISK JPY LVL LTL NZD NOK PLN GBP RON SGD SKK ZAR KRW SEK CHF TRY USD For more information on currency codes please visit: LAYOUT This parameter will affect the layout of the search form. Valid values are thin or wide. A thin layout will stack the input fields for from airport, to airport and passengers vertically and the wide layout will stack them horizontally. A thin layout is suitable if the width of your <div> tag is around 170 to 300 pixels and a wide layout is suitable for widths larger than 300 pixels. See the Customizing with style sheet information chapter for more options on how to change the appearance of the Broker Link. Doc. version

6 2.1.5 The link-img folder In the bundle there is an image folder. This folder should be located in the same folder as the style sheet file (customlink.css). 2.2 Sign up for Google Maps The Broker Link has a map feature which allows the end-user to find and display airports. The map content for this feature is provided by Google. Google requires a separate key for each domain on which this solution is hosted. Go to to obtain a key for your domain. If you use an invalid key or a key generated for a different domain the end-user will get an error message each time the maps function is used. The error message will read something like: The Google Maps API server rejected your request. This could be because the API key used on this site was registered for a different web site. You can generate a new key for this web site at Customizing with style sheet information If your website is designed with Cascading Style Sheet information then the Broker Link search form will probably inherit some style information like background color, link color, text size and font from the surrounding page. If you want to customize the appearance further you can add more style information. In the bundle you received from your Avinode representative there is a file named customlink.css. In this file there are instructions on how to use the style elements in the file. Please read this file for more information on how to style your Broker Link. Below are two examples of styled layouts of the search form. It is possible to change colors, text sizes, hide unwanted elements etc. In the thin example below the possibility to choose language, currency and time options have been hidden using style sheet information. Important. There is no default font size or font style set in the Broker link. The thought is that these should be inherited from the style on the page where the link is placed. Make sure that you have a font style and size set on your surrounding <body> tag. Also the <a>link tag in the Broker link should be inherited from the style set on your page. Make sure that your styling on that tag is placed on the same page as the Broker link. 2.4 Sample screenshots Here are some screenshots that show some different styles that can be achieved using style sheet information. Doc. version

Example of a wide layout that has been styled

flags, currency selector, Arrival/Departure

Example of a bluish wide layout where the

7 Example of a wide layout that has been styled with green background colors. Example of a thin layout. Example of a thin layout where the language flags, currency selector, Arrival/Departure selector and Local/UTC selector have been removed. Example of a bluish wide layout where the language flags, Local/UTC selector and No fuel stops selector have been removed. Doc. version

8 Example of the multiple destination form styled with light yellow background color. Example of the model result page styled with light blue results and light green for selected rows. Doc. version

9 Example of the categories result page styled with different green background colors. Doc. version

3. CUSTOMIZING CONTENT The content of your Avinode Broker Link can be customized to a high degree. The following chapter describes in detail how you can customize the information.

10 3. CUSTOMIZING CONTENT The content of your Avinode Broker Link can be customized to a high degree. The following chapter describes in detail how you can customize the information. Please log on at to access your Avinode account by using your own personal username and password (do not use the Broker Link username/password).. Under the Profile tab you can access the settings of your Avinode Link. If you do not have the Broker Link Settings option in the sub menu, please contact your Avinode representative to gain access to this option. From the Broker Link Settings menu you can control the following functions on your Avinode Broker Link: Commission to be included in the price displayed to user Assign languages o Modify language o Add new language (8 languages are supported) Customize categories o Group categories o Change display order of categories o Rename categories o Create custom categories o Describe categories in your own words Doc. version

3.1 Change Commission To change the amount of commission included in the displayed price, click the edit button in this section and type the amount you would like and click the save button.

If you would like to change the description of the categories, click on the pen and paper icon and you will be taken to the edit mode.

11 3.1 Change Commission To change the amount of commission included in the displayed price, click the edit button in this section and type the amount you would like and click the save button. Now the commission base is updated and included in the displayed price. 3.2 Edit Language The Broker Link comes ready with multiple languages. If you would like to change the description of the categories, click on the pen and paper icon and you will be taken to the edit mode. Here you can change the description to your liking; when done, click the save button in the bottom part of the page and the texts are updated. If you want to take back the original description, you can click on the Suggested Texts link, and you can access the original description, language by language. From there, you can copy-paste back the original description. Doc. version

3.3 Add/edit new language In Avinode Broker Link you can add up to eight different languages. For all the supported languages you can include your own category descriptions.

12 3.3 Add/edit new language In Avinode Broker Link you can add up to eight different languages. For all the supported languages you can include your own category descriptions. Avinode have suggested texts on almost all the supported languages for the default categories Turbo Props, Light Jets, Midsize Jets and Heavy Jets. To add a language, simply click on Create New under the Languages section and you will have access to do so. If you want to take back the original description, you can click on the Suggested Texts link and you can access the original description, language by language. You can copy paste back the original description. Doc. version

13 3.4 Edit/Create new aircraft categories The Avinode Broker Link comes with a default set of aircraft categories. If you would like to create your own aircraft categories or make changes to existing ones, it is very easy to do so. To edit a category: Click on the pen and paper icon; now you can make the changes: Give your category the name you would like i.e. Large Cabin Jets Select the categories of aircraft to go under the chosen description. Ex Large Cabin Jets = Super Mid Size and Heavy Jet. When done, click the Save button and the new/changed category is displayed on your Broker Link. If you would like to create or name your own category, just click on the create new in the Broker Link Categories section. Chose the name you want Select the aircraft category or categories that are to be included and click Save Doc. version

3.5 Upload category photos The Avinode Broker Link comes with standard pictures for the aircraft categories. You have the possibility to change these pictures.

Now you can change: Category Overview image (Jpeg, 332*170 pixels) Category Exterior image (Jpeg, 332*170 pixels) Category Interior image (Jpeg, 332*170 pixels) Category floor plan image (Jpeg,

14 3.5 Upload category photos The Avinode Broker Link comes with standard pictures for the aircraft categories. You have the possibility to change these pictures. To change the pictures for a given category, in the interface, click on the pen and Paper icon for the category which you want to upload your own pictures. Now you can change: Category Overview image (Jpeg, 332*170 pixels) Category Exterior image (Jpeg, 332*170 pixels) Category Interior image (Jpeg, 332*170 pixels) Category floor plan image (Jpeg, 332*170 pixels) To upload new category pictures, click on the browse button for the picture in question and an explorer window opens. Select the aircraft picture from your files and click open in the explorer window. When you see that the path for the file in the file upload click save and the new picture is uploaded to your Broker Link. Doc. version

15 All Broker Link owners assume full responsibility for any and all photos that they themselves upload to the Avinode Link. Should a Broker Link owner decide to upload photos external to what Avinode has provided, the Broker Link owner must have explicit (written) consent to do so. By including the Avinode Link on my website, I confirm that I am fully aware and understand that Avinode shall not be held liable should I, as the Broker Link owner, choose to upload photos to the Avinode link, replacing the photos Avinode has provided. 3.6 Change order of aircraft categories as displayed on your Broker Link By default, the Avinode Broker Link displays the categories in the following order: 1. Turboprop 2. Light Jet 3. Midsize 4. Heavy Jet You have the possibility to change the display order. By clicking on the green button, the category in question is moved up in the display listing. Ex.: If you want the Heavy Jet to displayed as the first category, click on the green arrow until the Heavy Jet category is on top of the list. Doc. version

4. RECEIVING AND HANDLING INQUIRIES FROM BROKER LINK All inquiries from your Broker Link will be sent to your message center located in your Avinode account at www.avinode.com.

16 4. RECEIVING AND HANDLING INQUIRIES FROM BROKER LINK All inquiries from your Broker Link will be sent to your message center located in your Avinode account at When logged in, the message center is accessible from the Pending Trips menu option under the Messages tab. An inquiry from your Broker Link is then received in the folder Demand. By opening an inquiry in the demand folder, you will, with the click of a button, easily get to the search result of suitable aircraft for the trip and be able to send a charter request to operators of your selection. Note that if you have the Broker Link Messages menu option that is a page displaying messages from an older version of broker link. Please do not use this page. The interface of message center resembles a standard program, which makes it easy to use and understand. Workflow in message center : 4.1 Receiving end client inquiry (demand) from your Broker Link Doc. version

17 1. All inquires that are sent from end clients via your Avinode Broker Link will be stored as a Demand and the reference will be Broker Link. 2. To view the details of the demand, click on the demand in question. 3. The details of the demand that was sent from your Broker Link is now displayed: a. Demand number b. Routing c. Selected aircraft category or aircraft types d. Message and options from the inquirer e. Contact details 4.2 Turn a demand into a search A demand from Broker Link can very quickly be turned into a search; just click on the Search button, the itinerary will then be loaded up in the Avinode search section. When finding satisfactory search results, you can send one or more requests to operators, and the details from the original demand will be stored in pending trips Doc. version

18 In Pending Trips you can view and follow the status on the answers from the operators such as. Accept or Decline Not yet answered Price offered from the operator for the flight. If and when the date of validity for the flight has passed, the information is moved to and stored under Archive. Doc. version

5. MARKETING TIPS FOR AVINODE BROKER LINK Smart marketing => website visitors => Business through Avinode Link Above is the magic formula to maximize the value out of your Avinode Link.

19 5. MARKETING TIPS FOR AVINODE BROKER LINK Smart marketing => website visitors => Business through Avinode Link Above is the magic formula to maximize the value out of your Avinode Link. So, how do you succeed in smart marketing? Our experience from different clients promoting their websites indicates that there are many different ways to be successful, and here are a few tips. 5.1 Search Engine Advertisement (Web) The most popular way to find a company or a service today is to search online through one of the major search engines like Google.com or Yahoo.com. They will then provide a search result with a list of websites that most accurately provides information of your entered key word. In addition to the search result, all major search engines offer online advertisement next to the search result where you can promote your website and services. By identifying certain key words people will use when looking to charter an aircraft, e.g. Private jets, Challenger 604, Air Charter, you will be able to choose which specific key words you want your advertisement to be shown with. People will then be able to click on your advertisement and are transferred to your website. One of the great advantages with online marketing is that you easily can measure the return on your investment. No matter what your budget is, you can display your advertisement on a search engine. You will only pay if people click your advertisement. (Cost per click). There's no minimum spending requirement. You can, for instance, set a daily budget of five dollars and a maximum cost of ten cents for each click on your ad. As soon as your maximum daily budget is met, your advertisement will no longer be shown for that day. By entering the maximum cost you are willing to pay for having a person to click on your advertisement for a certain key word/s, you are able to decide which position among other advertisers (if any) you would like to have. Visit Google s advertising program: Visit Yahoo s advertising program: Doc. version

20 5.2 Magazine advertisement The traditional way of marketing and probably the most expensive advertising after television. Getting the reader s attention is everything and therefore the placement is very important. Avinode argues that it is better to pay more for No 1 position in one issue rather than having a small corner ad hidden in a none-interesting section in every issue but this opinion varies greatly. Depending on your budget and location you need find the magazines having your potential clients as readers. The real challenge for you will be to make the reader to remember your name or website next time he/she is about to book a jet. Doc. version

6. KNOWN ISSUES AND SOLUTIONS Since the Broker Link is embedded in an existing html page, different elements in the page can affect the behavior of the Broker Link.

21 6. KNOWN ISSUES AND SOLUTIONS Since the Broker Link is embedded in an existing html page, different elements in the page can affect the behavior of the Broker Link. This chapter contains solutions for some known issues. 6.1 Underlying Flash objects displayed on top Sometimes Flash objects from the underlying page shine through and are displayed on top of the Broker Link windows. An example of this is shown in the picture below. This is usually fixed by adding a wmode param/attribute to the Flash element. <body> <object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b " codebase=" cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=7,0,19,0"> <param name="movie" value="swf/movie.swf"> <param name="quality" value="high"> <param name="wmode" value="transparent"> <embed src="swf/movie.swf" wmode="transparent" quality="high" pluginspage=" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed> </object> </body> Doc. version

22 6.2 Google API key error message is displayed when using a valid key This can occur if the embedding page is using Google s APIs. If this is the case look for the line where the Google API is loaded and add the key. Look for: <head> <script type="text/javascript" src=" </script> </head> Substitute with: <head> <script type="text/javascript" src=" </script> </head> Don t forget to substitute GOOGLE_API_KEY with your key. 6.3 Right side of window not visible in Internet Explorer An example of how this can look is shown in the picture below. This can occur if the html page does not have a doctype declaration. This makes Internet Explorer render the page in "quirks mode" which results in the poor layout. Our guess is that most pages with missing doctype declaration are written in html transitional so the problem should be fixed by adding the following line at the top of the html page, before the <html>-tag. Doc. version

23 <!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN" " <html> If this does not fix the problem please read more about doctypes and figure out which doctype is suitable for your code. More information can be found at: Doc. version

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