“A common question we get: CrewBlast and CrewBlast OS, is that the same thing?” Both give you access to the same network and technology; the difference is who does the work.

CrewBlast offers two ways for aircraft operators, flight departments, and charter operators to source aviation professionals. With Managed Staffing, our team runs the search for you. With CrewBlast OS, your team runs the search using our self-service software platform.

CrewBlast: managed staffing, handled by our team

CrewBlast Managed Staffing is the full-service option. You send us your crew requirements, and our team manages the sourcing process: we search the network, review candidate responses, recommend qualified candidates, and coordinate placements.

We support contract pilots, flight attendants, A&P mechanics, and full-time crew. Your team shares the operational need; our team handles the sourcing work.

Managed Staffing is a strong fit when you want an expert team to manage crewing end to end, whether you need help covering a trip or building your staffing plan. It lets your flight department stay focused on flying while we manage the search.

Learn more about CrewBlast Managed Staffing or request crew.

CrewBlast OS: your team controls the sourcing platform

CrewBlast OS is a self-service aviation staffing platform that puts CrewBlast sourcing technology directly in your operation’s hands, 24/7. Your team submits crew requirements, reviews responses, and manages its sourcing workflow in the platform.

With CrewBlast OS, operators can:

• Reach the global network directly and match crew by aircraft type, location, qualifications, and real-time availability.
• Import a preferred contractor database and contact trusted crew first. If no one is available, expand the request to the broader network.
• Receive responses in seconds, not days. Candidates can respond to notifications directly from their phones.
• View candidate locations on the Applicant Map, including distance from the departure airport.
• Use Travel Intelligence to review commercial airline availability and estimated travel costs when considering a non-local candidate.
• Use CertiFly Qualification Intelligence to track candidate qualifications, currency, documents, and availability, helping your team understand who may be a fit before reaching out.
• Manage contract placements and full-time hiring in one workflow.

CrewBlast OS is designed for sourcing and staffing workflows. Operators remain responsible for their own final qualification review, selection, and hiring decisions.

A clearer view of candidate location and travel

Distance from the airport can be useful, but it is only one part of the decision. The Applicant Map helps your team see where candidates are relative to the departure airport. Travel Intelligence adds context by showing commercial flight options and estimated costs for a candidate who may need to travel.

That can help your team assess whether a qualified pilot who is not based nearby is still a practical option. Instead of piecing together location and travel information across separate tools, operators can review more of the picture in one place.

CrewBlast vs. CrewBlast OS: side-by-side

Both options are built on CrewBlast’s network and technology. The right choice depends on how much of the sourcing workflow you want your own team to manage.

Why operators choose CrewBlast OS

CrewBlast OS gives operators direct access to the technology, resources, and network CrewBlast has built over years of aviation staffing. That can make a meaningful difference when a need is time-sensitive.

Real-time location helps widen the search. Traditional sourcing often focuses on where a crew member is based. CrewBlast OS can help your team identify a pilot who lives across the country but is currently near the airport where you need coverage. Location is not the whole qualification decision, but it can reveal options your usual contact list might miss.

Your trusted crew can be contacted first. Import preferred contractors and send the opportunity to that group before expanding to the broader network. Contractors can respond from their phones, reducing the need for repeated emails, calls, and availability checks.

The platform is available around the clock. When schedules change or new requirements arise, your team can use the platform to source crew without waiting for standard business hours.

It can complement existing staffing arrangements. CrewBlast OS is not mutually exclusive with an Employer of Record or an established crewing company. Some operators use the software to source crew directly while keeping their existing employment or payroll arrangements in place.

It supports more than contract coverage. CrewBlast OS can be used for full-time crew sourcing as well as contract crew needs, bringing both workflows into one platform.

Explore the CrewBlast OS platform or view the demo.

One network and trust foundation

Managed Staffing and CrewBlast OS both draw on CrewBlast’s network of 15,000+ aviation professionals and are trusted by 350+ registered operators. CrewBlast reports a 98% crewing success rate across its operator base.

CrewBlast’s verification processes include identity and biometric verification powered by CLEAR, alongside standard background checks. Within CrewBlast OS, CertiFly supports qualification review by helping operators track credentials, currency, and related candidate information.

Verification tools and qualification intelligence support the staffing process; operators should still complete their own required review and determine whether a candidate meets the requirements of a specific assignment.

Which option fits your operation?

Choose Managed Staffing if you want CrewBlast’s team to run the search, review candidate responses, recommend qualified professionals, and coordinate placements.

Choose CrewBlast OS if your team wants speed, control, and transparency, and wants to bring sourcing capabilities in-house. It’s especially useful when you want to reach preferred contractors first, then expand to a broader network if needed.

Some operators use both. A team might use CrewBlast OS for direct sourcing and its preferred crew list, while turning to Managed Staffing when it wants additional support with a search.

Options for operations of every size

CrewBlast has packages available for operations of all sizes, from single-aircraft operators to larger flight departments. The best fit depends on your staffing needs and how you want to manage sourcing.

To explore the available options, visit crewblast.co and connect with the team.

Put sourcing in your operation’s hands

If your team wants direct, around-the-clock access to aviation staffing technology and a global crew network, CrewBlast OS is worth a closer look. Explore CrewBlast OS, watch the demo, or connect with the CrewBlast team to get set up.