Why Every Flight Has a “Call Sign” Instead of Flight Number

Pilot wearing aviation headset speaking into microphone inside airplane cockpit, focused expression.

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The flight number you see on your ticket (like AI202) isn’t always the same as the radio call sign pilots use during communication.

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Pilot wearing aviation headset speaking into microphone inside airplane cockpit, focused expression.

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They combine the airline’s spoken name and number — for example, Air India 202 becomes “Air India Two Zero Two.

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Flights carrying VIPs or cargo often get custom call signs like “Air Force One” or “Speedbird” (used by British Airways).

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Call signs help pilots and ATC maintain accurate communication even with background noise, bad weather, or heavy traffic.

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Want to know how crew signals work? Check out “The Secret Meaning of Pilot and Cabin Crew Hand Signals.

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