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Thread: Callsigns
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Old 23rd May 2006 | 15:19
  #7 (permalink)  
HEATHROW DIRECTOR
 
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 8,266
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From: Berkshire, UK
No, the airlines decide the callsigns. Some will be exactly the same as the flight number and others may vary if the airline is attempting to reduce confusion. Callsign confusion is a very serious problem and many airlines have experimented with different callsigns, usually a combination of letters and numbers. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't! Even callsigns which are actual flight numbers may have letters added for the benefit of the airline. Eg is a flight is delayed from yesterday it may have the same number with a letter added at the end.

The callsign and fligh number for a particular scheduled flight will be the same every day. The callsign may change if dangerous confusion arises.
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