FlightAware

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FlightAware
Type Private company
Foundation date 2005, Houston, Texas[1]
Headquarters Houston, Texas
Area served United States and Canada (2005-2008)
Worldwide (2008–present)
Key people Daniel Baker, CEO[2]
Karl Lehenbauer, CTO[2]
David McNett, CIO[2]
Industry Aviation
Revenue Increase US$4 million (2009 est.)[3]
Website flightaware.com
Users Over 5,000,000[4]
Available in Multilingual (18)
Launched September 8, 2005 (2005-09-08)
Current status Active
8 Greenway Plaza houses the headquarters of FlightAware

FlightAware is a global aviation software and data services company. Based in Houston, Texas, it is best known for the flightaware.com web site, the first to offer free flight tracking of both private and commercial aircraft in the United States, Canada, Australia,[5] and New Zealand.[6] It is currently the largest flight tracking website in the world in terms of users.[7]

FlightAware primarily provides services and data to aircraft and airport operators as well as other aviation organizations to assist in their operations.[7] FlightAware provides enterprise services and tools to aircraft operators worldwide as well as flight tracking systems to airports in over 45 countries across North America, Europe, and Oceania.[8]

FlightAware also provides free, live, worldwide airline flight tracking to air travelers via the FlightAware.com web site and mobile apps.

In addition to flight tracking, FlightAware also provides online pilot flight planning, airport information and airport fuel prices, as well as aviation news and photos on the web site and via an email newsletter that has a monthly circulation over three million.[4] FlightAware can provide real-time contract card fuel prices for Universal Weather and Aviation for aircraft operators that have a UVair fuel card.[9]

The company has its headquarters at Eight Greenway Plaza in Houston, Texas and an advertising office at 500 Fifth Avenue in New York City.[10]

Web site

Overview

The FlightAware.com web site provides free flight tracking of private and commercial flights as well as airport activity, flight and airport maps with weather, aviation statistics, flight planning and instrument flight rules procedures for airports in the United States and Australia.[7][11][12] In addition, the site includes pilot services such as flight planning, aviation news, photos, and an aviation discussion forum.

Users are given the chance to register with the site for free, which adds features and functionality as well as the ability to participate in community features. Registration allows users to upload photos, submit aviation-related news (squawks), participate in discussion forums, and setup aircraft alerts in addition to numerous other features. FlightAware reports over 2,500,000 registered users.[4]

FlightAware serves over 300 million flight tracking pages to over five million users a month as of January 2014.[4]

Live flight tracking

FlightAware has real-time information for most instrument flight rules flights in the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. The web site allows users to search, organize, and view the information in many different ways. This information is particularly useful to airport operators and aircraft operators such as small airlines, charter companies, and pilots.[citation needed]

Users can enter an airport (by airport code or name) and see:

  • A list of all aircraft inbound, outbound, or scheduled to be inbound/outbound
  • A map of the area with radar weather overlay
  • A graph of operations at that airport
  • Links to airport information

Users can also search by airline flight number or the aircraft's registration if it is a non-commercial flight, or select a flight from an airport's status page. Information provided includes:

  • Proposed departure and arrival times
  • Actual departure and arrival times
  • Proposed and actual altitude
  • Proposed and actual airspeed
  • Four month history of that flight or aircraft
  • Time elapsed and time remaining
  • Filed Route

A link is also provided that lists, minute by minute, the latitude and longitude, ground speed, and altitude at that moment.[13]

Flight alerts

Custom flight alerts can be configured from all of the live flight tracking pages. When an alert is configured, users receive e-mail and instant message flight tracking notifications. Alerts notify users of a filed flight plan, departure, arrival, cancellation, diversion, gate changes, and flight delays. Alerts can also be sent to mobile phones and friends via Facebook, and Twitter. Pre-arrival flight notifications can be configured to alert a user when a flight is 45 minutes from landing.

Pilots use flight alerts to determine the route that will be approved by air traffic control. In-flight iPad app ForeFlight is integrated with FlightAware and routes amended by air traffic control are automatically updated in in the ForeFlight Mobile app via FlightAware.[14]

Example of a chart available for download

Pilot resources

The web site also includes many aviation and pilot resources such as a page for every airport with location, runway information, airport utilization, and other information published by the FAA. FlightAware allows users to contribute additions and changes to a list of airport businesses (such as airport fuel facilities, flight schools, restaurants, hotels etc.).[15]

FlightAware released a free flight planning service for pilots in September 2008.[16] Pilots who are registered users can file a flight plan directly through the FlightAware website. Unlike most other online flight planning services, the website considers both temperature and aircraft type as part of performance planning calculations.[17]

Users can also download airport diagrams and IFR procedures called approach plates or "charts." Pilots and dispatchers can use FuelAware to submit pricing requests to FBOs for passenger, pilot, and aircraft amenities, including fuel, and make reservations at the FBO of their choice. Pilots can use FlightAware's route analysis to display recently used IFR routes for a particular origin/destination airport pair for planning what route to file on an IFR flight plan. FlightAware also offers current, updated aviation weather maps, charts, and forecasts. Also included is an on-demand e-mail service for METARs and Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts.[15] Any registered FlightAware member can plan flights, view routings, print approach plates, and take advantage of all the flight planning features.

Mobile apps

FlightAware currently has free mobile applications across nine different platforms including the iPhone, iPad, Android, BlackBerry, BlackBerry PlayBook, Windows Phone, Windows 8, and Nokia Symbian.[18]

Flight Delays

FlightAware publishes worldwide, real-time airline flight cancellation statistics and airport delays. Additionally, FlightAware has a MiseryMap service that visualizes all flight delays, cancellations, and weather across the United States.

Services

Avionics integration

FlightAware integrates with all major aircraft datalink services using ACARS or similar protocols via SATCOM or VDL including:[19]

For aircraft with cockpit datalink services, FlightAware can provide real-time worldwide flight tracking and status as well as text messaging and other operational dispatch services in some cases.

ADS-B

Automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) is a technology for tracking aircraft. FlightAware operates a network of ADS-B receivers for tracking ADS-B equipped aircraft.[20] FlightAware offers that professional operators of existing ADS-B sites can connect their receivers to FlightAware and, in exchange, receive additional account features/privileges. As of January 2014, FlightAware's network consists of over 200 sites, predominately in Europe, North America, and Australia.[21]

FlightAware produces FlightFeeder, a small ADS-B receiver that receives and processes ADS-B data, then sends it to FlightAware over the Internet and also makes the data available locally. FlightAware provides this unit free of charge to individuals in areas where FlightAware's ADS-B network does not have sufficient coverage. [22]

Commercial products and services

FlightAware provides various paid commercial services designed to support aviation-related businesses, consumers, and FBOs. These services provide a significant portion of FlightAware's revenue.

Selective Unblocking

A selective unblocking service is available for aircraft owners and operators to selectively choose friends, family, employees, and business associates that are allowed to track an aircraft's movements. However, when a selective unblocking is used, the aircraft movements remained blocked to the general public. An owner or operator can opt to do this for privacy or security reasons.[23]

FBO ToolBox

FBO ToolBox is a Web-based, market-analysis and flight-tracking application that allows FBO managers insight into their customers. Primary features include competitive fuel price analysis, airport traffic analysis, AMSTAT operator information, airport history repots, and top origins/destinations. A proprietary fuel-burn calculator estimates the number of gallons necessary to complete a filed flight plan, and can deliver FBO managers a picture of potential fuel sales on any given day.[24] In May 2012, FlightAware launched "FBO ToolBox Europe" for airport operators in Europe.[8]

FlightAware Global

"FlightAware Global" makes worldwide flight tracking available for aircraft operators via satellite or VHF data-link (VDL) through the FlightAware website. This service requires data service with a participating data-link provider.[25]

Custom Reports

Custom reports can be generated with a variety of parameters to aid aircraft owners, operators, airports, and business owners in planning decisions. For example, a historical report can be compiled to analyze air traffic frequency at a particular airport.[26]

Premium Accounts

Premium user accounts allow members access to unlimited flight alerts, increased visibility of historical flight data, European weather, tail number data, full screen HDTV maps, fleet tracking, and the ability to view more flights per page. There are three levels of premium accounts that are available for a monthly fee.[27]

API

FlightAware has a flight tracking API called FlightXML for third parties to incorporate FlightAware data into their own applications. Functionality includes flight status, airline data, maps, and push call-backs. FlightXML's API can be accessed via Representational state transfer or Simple Object Access Protocol and the API can be accessed from any programming language that supports XML. FlightXML is charged on a per query basis and the more queries that a user account makes per month, the less the per-query fee is.[28][29]

Features such as push notifications allow an app to be noticed about flight plans, schedule changes, departures, arrivals, cancellations, diversions, and more. FlightXML users can also receive worldwide airline information such as gate assignments, gate times, seat information, aircraft tail number, codeshare details, and meal service information.[30]

Other

ARINC partnered with FlightAware and uses the FlightAware web application for ARINC Direct business aircraft operators.[31]

FlightAware offers a variety of data feeds for sale, ranging from live flight data to live fuel prices.[26]

Media attention

FlightAware is regarded by the media as an authority on aviation and breaking news stories; the company has been referenced, featured, or mentioned in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, NPR, Bloomberg, USA Today, CNN, Fox News Channel, Associated Press, Houston Chronicle, San Diego Union-Tribune, Tampa Tribune, ESPN The Magazine, Washington Post, Boston Globe, as well as many local newspapers and television news affiliates.[32][33]

On February 9, 2012, FlightAware and Boeing gathered much media attention when a Boeing 787 Dreamliner flew 9,000 nautical miles, spelling out its model number and company logo.[34] FlightAware captured the final track during the aircraft's 19-hour flight.[35]

History

In late 2004, CEO, Daniel Baker, started exploring the idea of creating a free flight tracking service as he wanted a way for his family to track his private flights around the country. At the time, there were few enterprise solutions that offered this kind of service. Baker recruited friends Karl Lehenbauer and David McNett to help create a free public flight tracking service. On March 17, 2005, FlightAware was officially founded and began processing live flight data.[16] FlightAware earned over one million dollars in revenue in its first 18 months.[36]

Previous to the current location at 8 Greenway Plaza, FlightAware headquarters was in Suite 1150 at 8 Greenway Plaza,[37] and originally the FlightAware headquarters were in the Midtown area of Houston.[38] FlightAware's CEO has cited Houston's inexpensive office space, geographical proximity to the rest of the country, and lack of a city or state income tax as an advantage.[39][40]

FlightAware has data centers in Houston, Dallas, and London. The company employs over 30 employees and regularly lists new positions.[41]

References

  1. ↑ "History". FlightAware. Retrieved December 6, 2009. 
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Executive Profiles". FlightAware. Retrieved December 6, 2009. 
  3. ↑ Talerico, Teresa (January 10, 2010). "Gaining altitude: FlightAware". Retrieved February 17, 2010. 
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 "About FlightAware – Advertising" (Press release). Retrieved January 2, 2014. 
  5. ↑ "FlightAware.com Launches Free Flight Tracking Services for Australia". FlightAware. Retrieved March 27, 2012. 
  6. ↑ "FlightAware Launches Comprehensive Flight Tracking Services in New Zealand". FlightAware. Retrieved June 19, 2013. 
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 "About FlightAware". FlightAware. Retrieved May 13, 2012. 
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 "FlightAware.com Launches Next-Generation General Aviation Flight Tracking in Europe". Retrieved May 14, 2012. 
  9. ↑ "UVair Jet Fuel Pricing Now Integrated in FlightAware". Retrieved October 18, 2013. 
  10. ↑ "Contact." FlightAware. Retrieved on May 13, 2012.
  11. ↑ Hunter, Marnie (April 8, 2008). "Flying tips for cranky passengers". CNN. Retrieved December 6, 2009. 
  12. ↑ "AMD64 Technology Helps FlightAware’s Airline Tracking Service ‘Take-Off’ To New Performance Heights". AMD. Retrieved December 6, 2009. 
  13. ↑ "FlightAware > About FlightAware > Frequently Asked Questions". Retrieved March 29, 2012. 
  14. ↑ "ForeFlight and FlightAware Collaborate to Integrate Flight Alert Feature". Retrieved October 18, 2013. 
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 "FlightAware > Pilot Resources". Retrieved March 29, 2012. 
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 "FlightAware History". Retrieved 2012-08-02. 
  17. ↑ "Flight Planning FAQ". Retrieved 2012-08-02. 
  18. ↑ "Mobile Flight Tracker Apps". Retrieved 2013-06-18. 
  19. ↑ "FlightAware.com Announces Worldwide Coverage for Business Aviation Flight Tracking". Retrieved 2012-10-28. 
  20. ↑ "ADS-B Flight Tracking". Retrieved 2013-10-02. 
  21. ↑ "FlightAware ADS-B Flight Tracking Coverage". Retrieved 2014-01-03. 
  22. ↑ "FlightFeeder - Network ADS-B Receiver". Retrieved 2014-01-03. 
  23. ↑ "Selective Unblocking". Retrieved 2012-08-02. 
  24. ↑ "FBO ToolBox". Retrieved 2012-08-02. 
  25. ↑ "FlightAware Global". Retrieved 2012-08-02. 
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 "Commercial Services". Retrieved 2012-08-02. 
  27. ↑ "Premium Accounts". Retrieved 2013-04-13. 
  28. ↑ "FlightAware's latest API improvements – Australia, Airline Details, Push Alerts, JSON". Retrieved April 2, 2012. 
  29. ↑ "FlightXML: Flight Tracking API". Retrieved April 2, 2012. 
  30. ↑ "FlightAware's latest API improvements - Australia, Airline Details, Push Alerts, JSON". Retrieved 2012-08-02. 
  31. ↑ "ARINC Direct Partners With FlightAware To Offer Live Flight Tracking For Business Aviation Operations". Retrieved 2012-10-23. 
  32. ↑ "FlightAware Celebrates 1st Birthday" (Press release). FlightAware. March 17, 2006. Retrieved September 10, 2009. "FlightAware has been mentioned in many national publications and broadcasts such as CNN, Fox News Channel, The Associated Press, USA Today, and countless references in regional & local media" 
  33. ↑ Posts, Pogue's. "Articles on FlightAware". The New York Times 
  34. ↑ Wald, Matthew (16 Feb 2012). "Skywriting With an Airliner". The New York Times. Retrieved 2012-08-02. 
  35. ↑ "Boeing #236". Retrieved 2012-08-02. 
  36. ↑ "Bootstrapped, Profitable, & Proud: FlightAware". 37 Signals: Signal Vs Noise. 
  37. ↑ "FlightAware > About FlightAware > Contact Information". FlightAware. Archived from the original on July 6, 2008. Retrieved August 23, 2010. 
  38. ↑ "FlightAware > About FlightAware > Contact Information". FlightAware. Archived from the original on December 5, 2006. Retrieved August 23, 2010. 
  39. ↑ "Daniel Baker, FlightAware CEO, Houston's Soaring Innovator (Video Interview)". CNBC. Retrieved April 10, 2013. 
  40. ↑ "Brian Sullivan Takes Road Trip to Houston". CNBC. Retrieved April 13, 2013. 
  41. ↑ "About FlightAware > Careers". Retrieved 2013-06-18. 

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