Avoid loss of tracking with ACARS
ACARS (Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System) is a long established system through which OpsControl receives tracking data from aircraft to ground systems via VHF, HF, or SATCOM channels.
Unlike terrestrial- or space-based ADS-B tracking, ACARS messages are sent directly from the aircraft’s onboard systems, ensuring uninterrupted coverage even during GPS jamming, spoofing, or in areas with poor ADS-B coverage.
OpsControl receives and processes ACARS messages in real time, giving operators a continuous, independent data stream for each flight. This integration supports position reports and takeoff & landing events based on OOOI (Out, Off, On, In) messages, helping dispatchers monitor operations with greater confidence.
ACARS data can be combined with existing feeds such as radar or ADS-B, creating a multi-source tracking setup that minimizes data gaps and improves operational resilience, especially on long-haul and transoceanic routes.
Key Features & Benefits
Avoid Loss of Tracking
ACARS maintains IRS-based position reports if connected, even when ADS-B tracking is disrupted.
Direct from the Aircraft
Accurate position reports and takeoff & landing events are transmitted directly from onboard systems.
Continuous Coverage
Stay connected even in regions where radar or satellite coverage is unavailable.
GADSS Compliance
Supports continuous position reporting and ensures compliance with industry standards.
Flexible Configuration
Choose ACARS as your standalone or backup tracking source, with customizable update frequency.
Reduced Costs
Lower your reliance on satellite-based ADS-B feeds while maintaining full operational awareness.
How OpsControl Uses ACARS Data
Position Reports
ACARS serves as an additional tracking source that works alongside the standard ADS-B feed to ensure global coverage without gaps. Position reports received via ACARS appear in both FlightWatch and Postflight just like any other tracking feed, providing operators with a seamless, continuous view of the flight.
OOOI-Based Events
Takeoff and landing events derived from ACARS OOOI messages ensure notification triggers in areas with weak or unavailable ADS-B coverage. When configured in OpsControl, these events generate the flight departed and flight landed notifications, helping dispatchers maintain accurate operational awareness.
Diversion Alerts
OpsControl can generate instant notifications based on ACARS diversion messages, ensuring Operations teams are directly informed the moment the flight crew has decided to divert. This functionality is available through the new notification event called “ACARS Diversion”: when a diversion message is received, OpsControl immediately highlights it to the user if configured.
One Platform.
Full Operational Control.
OpsControl supports integration with ACARS (Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System), so you can receive important data from your aircraft wherever they fly. OpsControl receives real-time position, OOOI, and fuel data directly from onboard systems, providing a highly reliable and independent datalink channel between aircraft and OCCs.
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