Project Will Consolidate Current Communication Applications

SITA and Flight Explorer are targeting airlines with the development of an integrated decision-support solution that will provide airlines with the ability to track, manage and communicate with their flights through a single computer screen.

Airline flight dispatchers have long been able to use the Flight Explorer Aircraft Situation Display application to track their flights but have to use a separate application, SITA AIRCOM, to communicate with pilots. The new system will integrate tracking and data link communications onto one screen, said SITA.

AirTran Airways, already using both SITA AIRCOM for in-flight data link communication and Flight Explorer's ASD, is set to carry out the first tests of the new combined system in September.

Philip Clinch, SITA Vice President of Aircraft Communications said, "We are excited that AirTran Airways has agreed to test this unique integration of flight tracking and data link communications. We have worked with AirTran to ensure that the use of AIRCOM enables them to optimize their operations and this new solution will really enhance their ability to deal with any unplanned events."

Flight Explorer's graphical flight-following software began by primarily utilizing FAA radar data. SITA AIRCOM provides position reports via its link network of 900 VHF stations in 160 countries.

SITA is integrating Flight Explorer into its AIRCOM Server product, which offers airlines a turnkey solution for the exchange of messages with their aircraft cockpit computers.

Clinch added: "We told our customers we wanted to enhance the AIRCOM Server to enable better flight following and they all said that instead of reinventing the wheel we should integrate with Flight Explorer because it was already the ideal solution for flight following."

FMI: www.sita.aero