Spirit Airlines

US low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines has chosen the Exelis aircraft surveillance system, Symphony OpsVue, to visually track its aircraft fleet while on the ground.

With the help of the Exelis system, the airline can get accurate and reliable flight tracking network of aircraft surveillance data on a single web-based display.

Spirit Airlines’ fleet of aircraft is equipped with automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) transponders, which delivers aircraft position to operations staff in five-second intervals in the terminal airspace area.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a final rule to require installation of ADS-B ‘Out’ equipment by 2020.

The Symphony OpsVue helps Spirit Airlines monitor its aircraft on the airport surface in the taxiway, ramp or gate at any of its primary and diversion airports with a single web-based application.

"Using this information will enable us to better monitor surface movement of our aircraft."

In addition, it enables the airline to manage tarmac delay requirements, which need contingency plans such as passenger provisions and deplaning for lengthy tarmac delays.

Exelis’ Symphony OpsVue solution provides improved safety through enhanced situational awareness and operational efficiency of the fleet, along with offering enhanced overall passenger experience through reduced delays.

Spirit Airlines flight operations vice-president Jyri Strandman said: "Using this information will enable us to better monitor surface movement of our aircraft to meet our mission of providing safe, ultra-low cost and efficient air transportation."

Symphony OpsVue uses a variety of surveillance sources to deliver a network of flight data, including the highly accurate Exelis ADS-B data feed.

Image: Spirit Airlines N587NK lifting off from Fort Lauderdale – Hollywood International Airport. Photo: courtesy of Jelson25.

Defence Technology