India sets new aircraft tracking rules after MH370 disappearance

NEW DELHI - India's civil aviation regulator said on Wednesday it has set new rules for local airlines to ensure real time tracking of aircraft, a decision it said was prompted by the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370.

The new rules will apply to both passenger and cargo planes, India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation said in a statement.

It said carriers have been asked to use onboard Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS) or Automatic Dependent Surveillance - Broadcast (ADS-B) for real time tracking.

The regulator also asked airlines to devise a procedure for effective tracking of aircraft while flying over areas where there is no coverage from ACARS or ADS-B.