Malaysia Airlines (MAS) will be the first carrier to implement global flight tracking using SITA OnAir’s AIRCOM FlightTracker, starting this summer. The airline has already conducted extensive testing of the technology, which uses existing equipment and re-purposes air traffic control data. This ground-based software upgrade allows airlines to follow aircraft positions and identify any unexpected deviations or gaps in position reports. Because it utilizes existing equipment, the solution is highly cost effective.
AIRCOM FlightTracker was launched to meet the needs of the aviation industry. Moving beyond the trial phase, the airlines are now ready to roll out the system across their entire fleets. Malaysia Airlines will be the first to go live with deployment this summer, in under a year after the solution was launched in fast track mode in June 2014.
AIRCOM FlightTracker uses multiple sources of data that guarantees tracking intervals of at least every 15 minutes for every flight. The airline also has the option to configure the system to intervals of less than 15 minutes. In addition, AIRCOM FlightTracker enables the airline to proactively obtain ADS-C tracking data immediately when it detects a gap in data from other sources. AIRCOM FlightTracker can also obtain one-off position reports from the Flight Management computers on short-haul aircraft that do not have FANS data link avionics.
“We have designed the solution so airlines have straightforward access to ATC-like tracking data,” said Ian Dawkins, CEO of SITA OnAir. “For those airlines already using our ACARS messaging, we can deploy it very quickly. Following the recent ICAO discussions, we are also working on the definition and development of a new system to detect and report unusual situations. As part of our commitment to the air transport community we are also investigating new aircraft solutions that are independent of aircraft power or systems.”