EasyJet’s app lets users track aircraft movements in real-time

EasyJet’s app lets users track aircraft movements in real-time

EasyJet has today announced that it has enhanced its mobile app by adding live aircraft tracking functionality directly from Flightradar24.

By Tom Hart

EasyJet has today announced that it has enhanced its mobile app by adding live aircraft tracking functionality directly from Flightradar24.

The airline is the first in the world to have collaborated with Flightradar24 to integrate the feature into a mobile app, meaning passengers can view the exact whereabouts of the aircraft they are due to fly on in real-time up to three hours before their flight.

Family and friends of passengers can also track flights ahead of their arrival.

The feature is the result of a purpose built Software Development Kit specially created for easyJet by Flightradar24 using GPS data sent from easyJet’s aircraft. The flight tracking software shows the aircraft’s route, speed, type of aircraft, altitude, distance travelled and total distance to destination.

James Millett, easyJet’s head of digital, said: “We’re delighted to have launched live location-based flight tracking to our award winning app. More than 800,000 customers use our app every week to make travelling across our network of more than 780 routes even easier – it’s fast becoming the essential travel companion for Generation easyJet.”

Philip Plantholt, vice-president strategy and business development at Flightradar24, said: “It’s great to bring together Flightradar24’s unique flight tracking visualization with an innovative airline such as easyJet to carry the passenger experience to the next level.”

In addition to the new feature, easyJet has added 3D Touch functionality to its app, meaning users of the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus can get to four key app areas even quicker. By pressing deeply on the app icon, users can jump to Book Flight, My Flights, Boarding Passes and Flight Tracker options instantly.