US-based in-flight entertainment and communications (IFEC) solutions provider Panasonic Avionics is offering satellite tracking to all its Global Communications Services and FlightLink customers worldwide.
When combined with Panasonic Avionics’ AirMap application, the company’s Global Communications Services and FlightLink solutions satisfy the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) global aeronautical distress and safety system requirements for normal and abnormal tracking.
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Panasonic Avionics president and CEO Paul Margis said: "Today, we can seamlessly enable flight tracking on over 1,500 aircraft, and we expect to extend this capability to over 3,500 aircraft over the short-term.
"We believe that this service will ultimately help improve the operational efficiency and safety of commercial air travel."
With an aim to support these satellite-based solutions, the company has implemented extensive ground and aircraft-based communications solutions that facilitate aircraft tracking.
AirMap application is an airline portal that allows airlines to visually monitor, track and receive alerts on their flights.
Margis added: "Our airline partners have already made a commitment to purchase a satellite communications system for passenger and / or operational usage.
"With only incremental cost to add the AirMap application, they will have an elegant and cost-effective solution without having to spend even more capital on a separate tracking technology."
Panasonic Avionics’ flight tracking technology is based on the company’s Ku-band eXConnect broadband and Iridium satellite communication solutions.
The technology helps the air carriers integrate cockpit and crew communications with their flight tracking capabilities.
The carriers can use voice or text messaging to contact aircraft, based on the information received from Panasonic’s tracking solutions.
