Tapping millions of fliers

A niche market has developed for real-time flight information apps as a result of frequent flight delays and inaccurate information.

State-owned Umetrip and the private sector's VeryZhun and Flight Steward are the leading apps in the niche market. The three cooperate with a large number of airlines and airports to gather and publish information for travelers.

Such information includes flight status, real-time air traffic, seat availability and seating charts.