why is DXB-JFK flight referred to as Emirates 5KP?
Mar 10, 2018, 10:26 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2018
Programs: UA, LH, BA
Posts: 294
why is DXB-JFK flight referred to as Emirates 5KP?
why is DXB-JFK flight referred to as Emirates 5KP? (by air traffic control as well as FlightAware)
https://flightaware.com/live/flight/UAE5KP
https://flightaware.com/live/flight/UAE5KP
Mar 10, 2018, 11:23 am
#2
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Economy, mostly :(
Programs: Skywards Gold
Posts: 7,801
why is DXB-JFK flight referred to as Emirates 5KP? (by air traffic control as well as FlightAware)
https://flightaware.com/live/flight/UAE5KP
https://flightaware.com/live/flight/UAE5KP
ATC call signs often don't reflect the flight number that pax see. I'm not sure if the reasoning, but might be related to two flights operating the same flight number that day or because it's a foreign operator. Basically the airline can file any call sign they like on the flight plan
Mar 10, 2018, 12:51 pm
#3
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: HAG
Programs: Der 5* FTL
Posts: 8,033
The reasoning is to lower chance of conflict, either when there is a similar flight number at the same time in the same area, or even a same number from a different airline.
You can easily imagine that if a flight takes instruction meant for a different airplane it can be a problem.
You can easily imagine that if a flight takes instruction meant for a different airplane it can be a problem.
Mar 10, 2018, 1:01 pm
#4
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 11
With respect to ATC callsigns there are more and more similar-sounding callsigns leading to potential hazardous situations where a pilot may take an ATC clearance meant for someone else as his own, such as a climb or descent clearance. ATC Service providers have asked airlines to try to use more unique callsigns to avoid this. In this case it has probably been identified that another airline flying in or out of DXB or JFK every day at approximately the same time also used the ‘5’, such as ‘Speedbird 5’ or ‘SkyDubai 5’. Adding the ‘Kilo Poppa’ just reduces the risk of any callsign confusion on the radio.