Contributor - Business Aviation

James Wynbrandt

Aviation data services provider <a href="http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/aviation-international-news/2011-08-31/fltplan-flight-privacy-program-exposes-tangled-faa-policy">FlightAware</a> has extended its free web-based flight-tracking service to Australian customers. This makes Australia the first country outside North America to be offered its web-based flight tracking on FlightAware.com, which tracks both general aviation and commercial flights. 
The U.S. company’s free services include live flight tracking and status, real-time maps with zoom/pan and integration with Google Earth and other map styles. In addition it provides worldwide airport delays and airport status reporting, flight radar track log, and mobile apps for platforms, including iPhone, iPad, Android and Blackberry. 
Here in Asia, FlightAware currently offers real-time flight status and estimated positions for almost every airline, as well as satellite-based coverage for appropriately equipped airline and general aviation aircraft. 
FlightAware.com is available in Chinese (simplified and traditional) as well as Korean and Japanese. As for launching its free flight traffic service in the region, Baker told AIN: “To bring the comprehensive web-based and app-based tracking we’re famous for, we’ll need theair navigation service providers to work with us on bringing their data to market.” But he made it clear that the company would like to roll out the service throughout Asia.
FlightAware also offers commercial services for FBOs, and an API (application programming interface) for software developers to design applications aimed at industry stakeholders. Premium accounts for power users are also available. Aircraft operators that do not want their flight details to appear can opt out by contacting FlightAware.

New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.