Real-time tracking of planes can take 2-3 years: ICAO official

[KUALA LUMPUR] Global standards to track aircraft in real time may not be ready for two to three years, a senior official with the UN aviation agency said on Tuesday, although the process could be accelerated as airlines adopt voluntary measures.

The International Air Transport Association (Iata) has formed a group to come up with methods for tracking by the end of September, responding to public concern following the Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 mystery.

Iata said that its members would implement measures voluntarily, before any rules were in place.