NOTAM - Volanta Imports

We’ve heard back from Orbx/Volanta regarding the issues with the data export file extensions and file contents. Unfortunately, their response wasn't what we were hoping for, but we want to keep you informed and share it with you all.

First and foremost, it's important to note that the Volanta import functionality will remain disabled for the foreseeable future while we attempt to reach a resolution with the Volanta team. However, based on the ticket we submitted and the response we received, it unfortunately appears they are not currently willing to work with us on a solution.

The problem

Over the past week, we've seen a growing number of support tickets and community posts reporting that Volanta exports are no longer working with our import feature. After investigating, we discovered that the export format and file extension had changed. We updated our backend to support the new format accordingly.

However, just a few hours later, two more users reached out with the same issue. Upon further investigation, we found that their exports had yet another different file extension and used different property names within the file.

We created an additional definition in our system to accommodate these changes as well. Each of these definitions takes around 45 minutes to implement, as we need to carefully verify that the correct data properties are being used. Some of the property names are unclear or inconsistent, which requires extra diligence to ensure accuracy.

Below are screenshots from four different exports, all generated on the same day - 19/10/2025 (DD/MM/YYYY). Each export includes a "position report," which is used to visually render the flight path.

The first screenshot represents the export format that has remained consistent over the past two years. However, the remaining three exports all differ from one another, each with variations in structure and formatting.

Ref #1

Ref #2

This version of the export now uses property names separated by underscores. Additionally, the previously named "latitude" and "longitude" fields have been renamed to "north_south" and "east_west." The values have also changed format - from decimal to degrees-minutes-seconds (DMS) notation.

Ref #3

This version now has the property names split by a ":" character.

Ref #4

This version has the property names split by a "." character.

As shown above, the format of the data exports varies significantly - even among exports generated within the same two-hour window on the same day. We've since stopped creating new definitions to support each emerging "variant" of the export format.

The primary reason is that the variations appear to be virtually limitless, making it unsustainable to support each one individually. What we've shared here represents only a portion of the inconsistencies we’ve encountered; many others exist across different exports.

Official response from Orbx/Volanta

"Thank you for contacting Orbx support.

Our data export function is provided to our Volanta users to allow them to retrieve a copy of their personal data, in line with their data portability rights. We are fully committed to fulfilling these requests for our users.

The specific file structure, properties, and format of this export are internal implementation details of the Volanta service. As we continuously develop, update, and improve our platform, these internal formats are subject to change at any time without notice.

We do not offer or support a stable, public-facing data format or API for third-party developer integration via this export feature. Its sole purpose is to provide our users with a copy of their data.
We trust this clarifies the situation."

The ticket was closed following this response.

While this reply raises more questions than it answers, one point in particular stood out: the claim that "the specific file structure, properties, and format of this export are internal implementation details of the Volanta service."

However, based on our analysis, the file types, property names, and even some data values vary widely, even between exports generated just minutes apart. This strongly suggests that some form of export generator is being used, rather than a consistent, direct dump of internal implementation data, as the response implies.

Potential Concern Regarding GDPR Article 20 (Right to Data Portability)

While Volanta provides users with the ability to export their personal data supporting their data portability rights - we have observed that the exported files vary significantly in structure, property names, and file extensions across different exports.

According to Article 20 of the GDPR:

"The data subject shall have the right to receive the personal data concerning him or her, which he or she has provided to a controller, in a structured, commonly used and machine-readable format and have the right to transmit those data to another controller without hindrance from the controller to which the personal data have been provided"

Because the export format changes frequently, it creates challenges when importing Volanta data into third-party systems like ELEVATEX, making data portability less smooth than intended.

We share this information to help improve understanding and encourage collaboration to ensure the export feature fully supports the goal of data portability as outlined in the GDPR.

Due to these ongoing issues, we have disabled the Volanta import feature until Volanta is willing to work with us to find a resolution.

Where we stand

We remain committed to upholding our data export in full alignment with data portability rights, believing that everyone should have the freedom and choice to move their data between platforms as they wish.

While this issue creates a hindrance that may discourage some users from moving to our platform, we hope everyone makes their decision based on the full picture.

If a solution becomes available in the future, we will support it promptly. We’ve done our part to find a resolution and will keep moving forward.

We encourage everyone to consider the information presented and form their own opinion on this situation.