A new app that lets users track aircraft around the world in real time has been made available to the public.
Using data from the UK’s National Air Traffic Services (NATS) and based on its internal version of the app, a beta version of Airspace Explorer has now gone live on the App Store, with an Android version also likely to follow.
The app uses information gathered by the 23 air traffic control stations in the UK and shows real-time flight paths of the thousand of planes that come in and out of UK airspace each day.
On top of that, the app also uses external data to track flights making their way around the world.
Users are able to tap on any plane icon over the UK and get detailed flight info, including departure point and destination, aircraft type, altitude and cruising speed.
The app also stands out because flights move across its screen in real time, as well as having a 3D mode that shows flights at their various altitudes on the map.
The 3D view also gives users an insight into the changing flight paths of aircraft as they approach and leave various airports.
Unsurprisingly, the app does not include military aircraft among its scans.
NATS says the app remains in beta as it continues to update and improve it.
