Hi,
However Ryanair and I think KLM to mention just 2, do use their flight numbers as callsigns.
AJ
That’s not quite true, both use a mixture of numbers and letters. International flights usually use the flight number (without the extra numbers). For example, BA0001 becomes BAW1. EK017 becomes UAE17.
There are two reasons for choosing a callsign, one is as a simple as, it’s easier to say, flight types (i.e. P for Positioning or as BA use LHR-MAN SHT2., MAN-LHR SHT3. as it’s easy to see ‘what’s happening.) or in some cases, because they can, so why not… 😀 Would you rather say BMA408 or BMA2LJ? :diablo: These reasons are down to the airline and can be changed from one day to the next – there’s no legal requirement.
The other reason is confusion. ‘The flight identification is very often the same as the flight number, though this is not always the case. In case of call sign confusion a different flight identification can be chosen, the flight number will remain the same. Call sign confusion happens when two or more flights with similar flight numbers fly close to each other, e.g., KL645 and KL649 or BA466 and BA646.’ If “BAW1”, “BAW11”, “AAL1” and “UAE1” were all on frequency at the same time, confusion and/or mistakes are more likely.
Sam
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