News
Qatar Airways first carrier to track aircraft minute by minute
November 9th 2018
Qatar Airways is the launch customer for GlobalBeacon, a product solution created by FlightAware and Aireon that provides real-time, minute-by-minute flight tracking. Read More » GlobalBeacon is a response to tighter International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) directives for aircraft surveillance, including position reporting every 15 minutes in normal flight and every 60 seconds in an emergency, The ruling will close gaps in coverage over oceans and within polar airspace that became an issue of critical importance after the unsolved disappearance of MH370 in March 2014.
An airline subscribes to the service through FlightAware and pays a monthly fee per aircraft.
Qatar Airways said the technology would feed directly into its integrated operations centre and provide “permanent minute-by-minute” reporting capabilities, exceeding ICAO recommendations.
“We are thrilled to be the first airline in the world with a wide network to use space-based ADS-B technology. We are honoured to collaborate with both FlightAware and Aireon in the development of this solution to achieve the highest level of flight tracking standards that exceed ICAO requirements and recommendations,” said Qatar Airways Group chief executive, Akbar Al Baker.
“With a modern fleet of more than 200 aircraft flying all over the world, across remote and oceanic airspace, Qatar Airways and GlobalBeacon could not be more perfect for each other,” said Aireon CEO, Don Thoma. “Being one of the youngest and fastest-growing leaders in the aviation industry, Qatar Airways’ initiative to implement the GADSS recommendations for flight tracking reinforces that safety is top priority and comes second to none.”
Separately, IAG CEO, Willie Walsh, said: “I think it's highly likely that Qatar will leave oneworld,” when speaking at the IAG Investors Day last week. “I've had regular contact with Akbar about this issue. He does not say these things without being genuine.
“He is annoyed with the way some members of oneworld have responded to Qatar as an alliance partner which he does not believe to be appropriate.” Walsh added that a Qatar Airways exit from oneworld would not have any bearing on the airline’s commercial ties with IAG, particularly British Airways.
“It won't in any way have an impact on our relationship, he [Akbar] has assured me of that,” Walsh said. “In fact, he's discussed this with me to make sure we would be happy to continue working with him in areas of cooperation whether or not he is a shareholder or a member of the alliance.”
Last year, Qatar Airways attempted to purchase equity in American Airlines, but the process was blocked by the U.S. carrier. The airline also has a strained relationship with Qantas Airways, saying the airline is blocking Qatar Airways from adding flights to Australia.
Doha-headquartered Qatar Airways has succeeded in purchasing a 20.01% shareholding in IAG. It also has acquired a minority shareholding in Cathay Pacific Airways, also a oneworld member.
