Why Do Pakistani Aircraft Registrations Start With AP-?
Pakistani aircraft registrations start with AP- because that is the nationality mark assigned to Pakistan. Every aircraft has a registration, like a car’s number plate, showing the country where it is registered.
How registrations work
A registration has a nationality prefix, then a dash, then a series of letters or numbers. The prefix comes from an international system of allotments, so aircraft from different countries can be recognised. Examples of other prefixes include G- for the United Kingdom, N for the United States, VT- for India and A6- for the United Arab Emirates.
Pakistan’s AP-
Aircraft on Pakistan’s register carry AP- followed by letters. The registration is painted on the fuselage or tail and is on the aircraft’s certificate. It can change if the aircraft moves to another country’s register.
Registration is not the callsign or the hex code
- Callsign: used on the radio, such as PIA300; see callsign vs flight number.
- ICAO 24-bit address: the transponder’s code; Pakistani aircraft use addresses starting 76; see ICAO 24-bit address.
- Registration: the plate painted on the aircraft; see aircraft registration.
Why enthusiasts care
Spotters note registrations to identify individual aircraft and follow their history. Our site shows the “registered in” country on each aircraft’s details, which comes from the address block.
General information only, not legal or safety advice. Details change; check with your airline and the relevant authority. See our editorial policy.