American Airlines has become the industry leader in deploying next-generation technology to improve flight safety and efficiency, equipping its entire fleet of more than 300 Airbus A321 aircraft with ADS-B In systems.
ADS-B, or Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast, uses GPS data to track an aircraft’s position, altitude, and speed. Most modern aircraft already use ADS-B Out, which broadcasts this data to air traffic controllers and nearby planes. With ADS-B In, aircraft can also receive information from surrounding traffic, giving pilots a more detailed and accurate picture of the skies.
Leading the Way in Safety
American now has more ADS-B In–equipped aircraft than any other airline in the world. The airline also has nearly 150 new A321neo aircraft on order, all of which will include the technology.
To support this initiative, American selected ACSS’s SafeRoute+ gauge system, which integrates with the aircraft’s computers and displays ADS-B data directly to pilots. This allows flight crews to better manage separation from other aircraft, particularly in busy or low-visibility airspace.
“ADS-B In is another layer of safety that has been available for our Airbus pilots for several years,” said David Seymour, American’s Chief Operating Officer. “Installing technology that improves the safety of flight, while also improving efficiency, gives American an operational head start in the modernized air traffic control system that is long overdue.”
Successful FAA Trials
The system has already demonstrated its benefits in two FAA-led trials:
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Dallas-Fort Worth TRACON Trial: At the Dallas-Fort Worth Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON), American’s A321s equipped with ADS-B In safely operated in lower visibility with fewer missed approaches and go-arounds.
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Albuquerque ARTCC Trial: At the Albuquerque Air Route Traffic Control Center, ADS-B In allowed precise spacing of American’s A321s arriving at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The results showed the potential for up to a 25% increase in airspace capacity at scale.
Looking Ahead
American Airlines plans to continue working with the FAA, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), and the Allied Pilots Association to expand the use of ADS-B In and further improve both safety and efficiency across its operations.
By leading the industry in adopting this technology, American is positioning itself at the forefront of the future of air traffic management.
