Lessons learned from MAS disasters

April 20th 2015

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More than a year after the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines (MAS) flight MH370, and nearing the July 18^th anniversary of the downing of flight MH17, MAS and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) have implemented significant stopgaps in safety protocol that they hope will prevent accidents. Read More » As such, MAS will be the first airline to implement global flight tracking, using SITA OnAir’s AIRCOM FlightTracker from July, which utilises existing equipment and re-purposes air traffic control data. The ground-based software upgrade will allow airlines to follow aircraft positions and identify any unexpected deviations or gaps in position reports. The technology relies on existing equipment (i.e. the AIRCOM Server ACARS message handling system), saving airlines the cost of installing new tracking systems.

“We have designed the solution so airlines have straightforward access to ATC-like tracking data,” said SITA OnAir chief, Ian Dawkins. “For those airlines already using our ACARS messaging, we can deploy it very quickly. Following the recent ICAO discussions, we are working on the definition and development of a system to detect and report unusual situations.” Dawkins said SITA would provide AIRCOM FlightTracker position reporting free of charge to its customers during an emergency. “AIRCOM FlightTracker will request emergency positioning reports if it identifies a flight has left its normal route for an unknown reason. We will waive charges for that reporting until the emergency ends,” he said.

Meanwhile, ICAO has made progress in conflict zone risk assessment protocol after it launched a prototype online repository accessible via ICAO’s website. Authorized state officials will have the right to submit risk information under procedures agreed by the ICAO Council, and countries being referenced in risk evaluation submissions will have the opportunity to review and approve information before public posting. Critics of the repository said the solution is weak, given it is only optional for states to share safety relevant documents with the industry.

Separately, Malaysian transport minister, Liow Tiong Lai, said his country as well as China and Australia would expand the search area for Flight 370 by another 60,000 square kilometres, double the current zone, if the aircraft was not found by May.