Malaysia Airlines will implement global flight tracking using SITA OnAir's AIRCOM FlightTracker this summer, making it one of the first carriers to do so.Aircom FlightTracker. Source:SITA

The ground-based software upgrade enables airlines to track planes and identify any unexpected variances or gaps in position reports. The airline has already tested the technology.

The AIRCOM FlightTracker technology uses multiple sources of data to guarantee tracking intervals of at least every 15 minutes for every flight. The software also proactively obtains ADS-C traking data immediately when it detects a gap in data from other sources.

“We have designed the solution so airlines have straightforward access to ATC-like tracking data," says Ian Dawkins, CEO of SITA OnAir. “For those airlines already using our ACARS messaging, we can deploy it very quickly." Following recent International Civil Aviation Organization discussions, the company is also working on the definition and development of a new system to detect and report unusual situations. The company is also investigating solutions that are independent of aircraft power or systems.