Malaysia Airlines adopts joint SITAONAIR, Aireon, and FlightAware solution for real-time, space-based flight tracking

SELANGOR, Malaysia. Malaysia Airlines in Selangor, Malaysia, will become the first carrier have access to minute-by-minute, 100 percent global, flight tracking data delivered jointly by Aireon, FlightAware, and SITAONAIR. Under the agreement, all Malaysia Airlines aircraft will use SITAONAIR AIRCOM FlightTracker with data from Aireon’s space-based Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) and FlightAware’s multiple global sources, complementing active Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP) Future Air Navigation System (FANS) activity data.

Malaysia Airlines’ aircraft operations center will receive real-time position updates of its airborne fleet globally. Aireon’s space-based ADS-B data will also resolve any existing data feed coverage gaps that remain, particularly over oceanic and remote airspace, where there is currently no surveillance.

No new avionics or modifications are needed for aircraft to take advantage of this service. “In addition to not requiring any new avionics or modifications to their aircraft, Malaysia Airlines will seamlessly gain real-time flight tracking ability of its fleet, even in areas where regional Air Navigation Service Providers do not have full surveillance,” says FlightAware Chief Executive Officer Daniel Baker. “The result will be that Malaysia Airlines will have greater visibility of its aircraft’s exact location.”

“Real-time global aircraft tracking has long been a goal of the aviation community,” says Captain Izham Ismail, chief operating officer at Malaysia Airlines. “We are proud to be the first airline to adopt this solution using space-based ADS-B data as part of SITAONAIR’s AIRCOM FlightTracker.”

“With the addition of the AireonSM data, via FlightAware, to SITAONAIR’s AIRCOM® FlightTracker, combined with our active monitoring and automated alerting capabilities, Malaysia Airlines will be at the cutting- edge of real-time flight-tracking technology,” adds Paul Gibson, portfolio director, AIRCOM at SITAONAIR. “With access to up-to-the-minute reporting, Malaysia Airlines will know the location, heading, speed, and altitude of all aircraft in its fleet, at all times, and be alerted to any exceptions.”

In November 2016, Aireon, FlightAware, and SITAONAIR announced a new partnership to deliver Aireon data via FlightAware to SITAONAIR customers. FlightAware provides a combination of global air traffic control data, aircraft data link information, and terrestrial ADS-B data through a secure streaming data feed. Once the Aireon system is operational, expected in 2018, airlines already using SITAONAIR’s AIRCOM FlightTracker will automatically begin seeing the new Aireon data appear in their systems, without the need for costly modifications.

“Malaysia Airlines has taken a lead role in the industry since the tragic events of 2014. Real-time, global flight tracking, anywhere on the planet will further its safety goals, by allowing Malaysia Airlines to track its aircraft anytime, anywhere," Aireon Chief Executive Officer Don Thoma says.

Aireon’s space-based ADS-B system will offer a global solution that works for all ADS-B Out equipped aircraft everywhere. ADS-B Out mandates have been passed by ANSPs and industry governing bodies around the world, resulting in operators automatically knowing that their aircraft are properly equipped.

The Aireon service will be operational in 2018, shortly after the completion of the Iridium NEXT satellite constellation. On January 14, 2017, the first 10 Iridium NEXT satellites carrying the Aireon ADS-B hosted payload were launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. In total, the constellation will consist of 66 operational low-earth-orbit satellites providing global coverage. The service will also provide Air Navigation Service Providers with global aircraft surveillance capability, and is expected to help reduce fuel costs, increase safety, and enable more efficient flight paths.

SITAONAIR provides the air travel industry with trusted connected aircraft service, empowering 400+ airlines, 14,000+ aircraft, and 30+ operators to navigate the complexity of connectivity and unlock connected aircraft value. The company works in partnership with the air travel community, helping support its digital transformation, to unlock the true value of data, grow ancillary revenues, and enhance the passenger experience, operational efficiency, and airline safety. Co-created solutions for passengers, cockpit and cabin crew, and aircraft data management equip the industry to address the challenges and value-generating opportunities it presents.

SITAONAIR is a subsidiary of The SITA Group, which is airline-owned and airline focused.

Aireon is deploying a global, space-based air traffic surveillance system for Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) equipped aircraft over the entire globe. For the first time, Aireon will provide real-time ADS-B surveillance to oceanic, polar and remote regions, as well as augment existing ground-based systems that are limited to terrestrial airspace. Aireon will harness next-generation aviation surveillance technologies and extend them globally to significantly improve efficiency, enhance safety, reduce emissions and provide cost savings benefits to all stakeholders. In partnership with leading ANSPs from around the world, NAV CANADA, the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), ENAV, and Naviair, as well as Iridium Communications, Aireon will have an operational, global, space-based air traffic surveillance system by 2018.

Flight tracking data company FlightAware provides over 10,000 aircraft operators and service companies as well as over 12,000,000 passengers with global flight tracking solutions. FlightAware leverages data from air traffic control systems in over 55 countries, from FlightAware's network of over 10,000 ADS-B ground stations in over 150 countries, global datalink, and Aireon space- based ADS-B.

Malaysia Airlines is the national carrier of Malaysia, offering the best way to fly to, from and around Malaysia. Malaysia Airlines carries 40,000 guests daily on memorable journeys inspired by Malaysia’s diverse richness. Malaysia Airlines embodies the incredible diversity of Malaysia, capturing its rich traditions, cultures, cuisines and warm hospitality on board, while opening up more of Malaysia’s destinations than any other airline.

Since September 2015, the airline has been owned and operated by Malaysia Airlines Berhad. As a member of oneworld®, Malaysia Airlines and its partners in the global alliance offer a superior, seamless travel experience. Oneworld offers special privileges and rewards for frequent flyers, including access to more than 650 airport lounges worldwide. Up to 90 destinations will be serviced across Asia, Africa, the Americas, and the Middle East via a codeshare partnership with Emirates, signed in early 2016.