Raj Thackeray, the chief of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), embarked on a significant political journey from Mumbai to Delhi aboard a chartered jet equipped with luxurious amenities, including a customized cabin, modern galley, wireless internet, adjustable reclining seats, and a three-seat divan. However, what made this flight stand out was its intentional invisibility – it remained untraceable on popular flight trackings platforms like Flightradar24, Flighaware, and Airnav Radarbox.
This deliberate concealment of flight details reflects a growing trend observed among business magnates, politicians, and celebrities worldwide, such as Elon Musk, Donald Trump, and Taylor Swift, who opt to shield their private jet movements from public scrutiny. In the case of Raj Thackeray, the aircraft was registered with a commercial charter operator based in Ahmedabad, adding an element of mystery to his travel.
Raj Thackeray's purpose for this journey was a crucial meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday, fueling speculation that the MNS might be considering aligning with the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance in Maharashtra ahead of the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.
The use of such private jet services in India appears to leverage a program introduced by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) aimed at enhancing privacy for private aircraft owners. Known as the Limiting Aircraft Data Displayed (LADD) initiative, this program shields aircraft registration numbers from public platforms like Flightradar24, unless authorized government agencies request data with the owner or operator's consent.
As a result, tracking platforms reliant on FAA data are compelled to withhold tracking information for flights covered under the LADD program, irrespective of their location. However, alternative platforms like ADSB Exchange, operating independently of FAA data and aggregating information from aviation enthusiasts, may still track such flights. India Today's Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) team successfully tracked the Embraer Legacy 650 aircraft using this method.
This intersection of international regulations and technological advancements underscores the evolving dynamics of VIP aviation privacy and surveillance in an increasingly interconnected world, where privacy concerns are balanced with the need for transparency and security in public affairs.
