Our most asked question on social media: “What do the blue planes mean?” Blue planes indicate aircraft are being tracked by satellite-based ADS-B receivers.

On the FlightAware map and mobile app, the color of the aircraft icons indicates the source of the tracking data. Blue icons represent aircraft that are being tracked via satellite-based ADS-B. This is a relatively modern technology that allows FlightAware to track planes over oceans, deserts, and polar regions where traditional ground-based radar or receivers cannot reach. In contrast, green icons usually represent aircraft tracked by land-based ADS-B or traditional radar. Because satellite data can sometimes have a slight latency (delay) of a few minutes compared to ground-based "live" feeds, the blue color alerts the user that the position might be slightly less "real-time" than a green icon. This satellite tracking has revolutionized aviation safety, as it ensures that "disappearing" over the ocean is largely a thing of the past. If you see a blue plane on your screen, it is likely on a long-haul transoceanic journey or flying through a remote area with limited ground infrastructure.