Two aviation detailing platforms, different approaches
Shiny Jets and CoreOP both serve the aviation detailing market, and both have a place in the conversation. They are built around different ideas of what aviation detailing software should cover. Shiny Jets focuses on the customer relationship side, treating aviation detailing as an industry that needs a tailored CRM. That is a real and useful position, especially for operators whose primary need is contact and aircraft management.
CoreOP starts from a different premise. The platform is built as a complete operating system for aviation detailing, with CRM as one component alongside quoting, scheduling, crew management, time tracking, invoicing, and analytics. The result is a heavier product that aims to replace five or six tools at once, not just one. Operations that have outgrown a basic CRM often look to CoreOP for that broader scope.
Feature comparison
| Feature | CoreOP | Shiny Jets |
|---|---|---|
| CRM with aircraft database | Included | Available |
| Quoting and PDF invoices | Included | Limited |
| Crew scheduling | Included | Limited |
| GPS clock in | Included | Not included |
| AI pricing assistance | Included | Not included |
| White label option | Available on Enterprise | Not included |
| Fleet network access | Available | Not included |
| Multi crew support, 8 plus | Included on Shop and above | Limited |
| Custom integrations | Available on Enterprise | Limited |
| Aviation specific service categories | Native | Available |
| Mobile crew app | Included | Limited |
| Photo documentation | Included | Available |
| Client portal | Included | Available |
| Total feature count | 165 plus | General CRM scope |
| Starting price | $37 per month | Free or paid tier |
Comparison reflects publicly available information. Shiny Jets details may have changed. Operators should confirm specifics directly with both vendors before making a purchase decision.
When CoreOP is the right choice
- Multi crew operations. Operations running three or more detailers benefit from the dispatch board, GPS clock in, and crew app that CoreOP includes natively.
- Operations needing full quote to cash. Teams that want quoting, invoicing, and Stripe payments in the same tool find CoreOP covers the entire revenue flow.
- Operators replacing a patchwork. If you are running five or six tools today, CoreOP consolidates them. If you are happy with two specialized tools, the consolidation may not be worth the switch.
- Operations planning to scale. Plans go from solo operator to multi location enterprise without changing platforms.
- Operators who want a fleet network. CoreOP's fleet network surfaces aircraft owners actively looking for detailing services in your region.
When you might prefer something else
- You only need a CRM. If your operation is small, manual, and you only want a place to keep aircraft records and contact details, a focused CRM may be a better fit than an operating system.
- You want a free entry tier. CoreOP starts at $37 per month. If a free starting point is essential, that constraint matters.
- You already have working tools you trust. Switching software is real work. If your current stack is functioning and your team is happy, the right move may be to keep it until something breaks.
Continue reading
Comparing aviation detailing platforms is rarely a one-off exercise. Operators typically also evaluate CoreOP as a Jobber alternative for aviation and CoreOP as a ServiceTitan alternative. For the complete platform overview, see aviation detailing software and the broader aircraft detailing business software page. The why CoreOP page covers the philosophy behind the platform, and aviation pricing covers the plan structure.
Frequently asked questions
Is CoreOP a Shiny Jets alternative?
CoreOP is a more comprehensive aviation detailing operating system that goes beyond CRM into full operations, crew management, and invoicing. Operations evaluating Shiny Jets often consider CoreOP for the broader feature set.
How does CoreOP pricing compare to Shiny Jets?
CoreOP plans range from $37 per month for Starter to $397 per month for Enterprise. Operators should compare based on the full operational scope they need, not on starting price alone.
Can I switch from Shiny Jets to CoreOP?
Yes. CoreOP supports CSV import for clients and aircraft records. The setup wizard helps configure services, pricing, and team structure. Most operations migrate within one to two weeks.
Does CoreOP have a free plan like Shiny Jets?
CoreOP does not currently offer a permanent free plan. The Starter plan at $37 per month is the entry point and includes the aircraft database, basic CRM, and quoting features.
Which is better for solo aviation detailers?
Solo detailers should weigh whether they need full operations, crew tools, and invoicing in one platform or just a basic CRM. Operators who plan to grow tend to choose CoreOP. Operators who only need a contact list may find a simpler tool sufficient.