ABOUT PROJECT
In 2022, Roobykon embarked on a remarkable journey that would see them play a pivotal role in bringing to life an extraordinary project – the Flying Markets (now called Aircraft For Sale). This ambitious aviation marketplace success story, born from the dreams and needs of pilots, took flight with our unwavering dedication and technical prowess. Unlike typical e-commerce platforms, it doesn’t handle payments, due to the exceptionally large amounts involved. Instead, aircraft owners list their planes, and buyers and sellers directly discuss details, negotiate payment terms, and leave reviews once a deal is complete.
This unique approach fosters a sense of community among aviation enthusiasts, emphasizing trust and personalization. Roobykon is proud to empower the global aviation community through this digital platform, revolutionizing the way pilots buy and sell aircraft. Our partnership with Flying Markets exemplifies the power of shared passion and innovation, nurturing dreams and reaching new heights together.
Key Challenges
Creating the Flying Markets project presented us with exhilarating opportunities but also some significant challenges along the way. Dealing with aircraft specifications, pricing data, and historical trends required a robust data management system. We tackled this challenge by developing a scalable infrastructure that could handle complex data structures and integrate real-time updates.
Yet, at the heart of Flying Markets was a commitment to trust and security. In a realm where high-value transactions were the norm, the platform had to become a fortress against fraud, all while safeguarding the privacy of its users. Our team invested in cutting-edge encryption and authentication protocols, bolstering the Flying Markets’s defenses against fraud.
TECHNOLOGY STACK
Solution Highlights
For hosting, we chose DigitalOcean, which provided reliable and scalable infrastructure to support high-performance operations. We integrated Contentful for content management, enabling easy handling of dynamic content across the platform. Chargebee was utilized for managing subscriptions and payment processing related to provider listings and promotion, offering a smooth and efficient way for users to engage with the marketplace. The search functionality, powered by Mapbox, allows users to find listings based on location, enhancing usability. For the blog feature, WordPress was the ideal choice, providing a user-friendly interface for content creation. To ensure smooth communication, we integrated Sendgrid for custom email notifications and leveraged Zoho CRM to manage customer interactions effectively.
The Flying Markets platform also features robust security and easy account management. With Facebook and Google authentication, users can quickly sign up or log in to their accounts. To enhance security further, we integrated Twilio for phone number verification. For monitoring and troubleshooting, Sentry allows us to track and resolve issues efficiently. Additionally, Zapier automates notifications to the marketplace owner about new users and listings, streamlining management. Google Ads helps us target potential users through well-placed advertisements. At the heart of the platform’s technical architecture, we used Sharetribe for the aviation marketplace innovation framework, while Node.js and React powered the backend and frontend, respectively, ensuring high performance and a smooth user experience.
The process
01
At the outset, the client and our team came together to define the scope of the Flying Markets project. We discussed their vision, goals, and requirements in detail. This initial phase was crucial in aligning our objectives and setting the foundation for the assignment.
02
With the scope in place, we delved into extensive discussions about the project’s features. We went through a meticulous process of outlining what functionalities the platform would offer. These discussions involved brainstorming sessions and the identification of essential features that would cater to the unique needs of the aviation community.
03
After settling on the features, we moved on to the design phase. Our design team crafted a visually appealing, user-friendly interface that would resonate with aviation enthusiasts. Once the design was ready, it underwent rigorous scrutiny and received approval from both the client and our team.
04
Then, we embarked on the development phase. This intensive process involved coding, testing, and fine-tuning every aspect of the platform. Remarkably, within just four months, we successfully rolled out the profit center for the Flying Markets project.
05
Our commitment to the Flying Markets project didn’t end with the launch. We continue to provide unwavering support to this day, ensuring the website operates smoothly and securely. We are also continually developing new features and improvements to keep the platform at the forefront of the aviation marketplace.
Main Features
Custom search and filters
Elevating user experience, we introduced a custom search that allows users to search using keywords and custom fields. The added touch of auto-suggestions in the search field streamlines the process.
User comments
Flying Markets promotes collaboration and transparency with a user-friendly comments system for registered users to share insights and ask questions on listing pages.
Dynamic sitemap
To ensure users can navigate the platform effortlessly, we implemented a dynamic multi-level sitemap. It covers all combinations of categories, subcategories, listings, and static pages.
Auto-closing listings
Listings are automatically closed after three months and owners receive a notification one week before closure. To extend the listing’s publication, they simply need to update it. This feature was implemented to ensure the platform always contains only relevant information.
Custom URLs for search
Airplanes come in various categories and subcategories. For seamless search experiences, we created custom straightforward URLs based on category names.
Contact providers without authorization
We recognized the importance of enabling communication between potential buyers and sellers. Therefore, we allowed unregistered users to contact providers easily.
Image management
We prioritized user experience by allowing aircraft owners to bulk-upload images and reorder them in the gallery. This feature streamlines the process of showcasing aircraft listings.
Save search feature
To keep users informed about new aircraft listings that match their preferences, we introduced a “save search” option. Users receive email notifications for new aircraft that meet their specific criteria.
RESULTS
The collaboration between Roobykon and Flying Markets has yielded exceptional results, culminating in an aviation marketplace success story. Together, we’ve crafted an innovative platform that empowers aviation enthusiasts and professionals worldwide. With user-centric features, robust security, and ongoing support, we’ve transformed the aviation marketplace into a vibrant and trusted hub.
This partnership continues to evolve, setting new standards for excellence in the aviation marketplace and inspiring the future of online aircraft trading.
LESSONS FROM FLYING MARKETS
After reflecting on the successful launch of the Flying Markets, Roobykon gained valuable insights that will guide our future projects. This venture was a journey in problem-solving, innovation, and understanding the unique needs of a niche market. The aviation market presented unique challenges, such as handling complex aircraft specifications and ensuring high-value transaction security. Our tailored approach to these niche requirements, including specialized search features and robust fraud protection measures, underscores the importance of understanding and addressing industry-specific needs.
In a domain where transactions involve significant sums, establishing trust and security is paramount. Our investment in cutting-edge encryption and authentication protocols for Flying Markets highlights the need for stringent security measures in all our future projects, especially when dealing with high-value items or sensitive data.
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