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It appears that the signals from Air Tags are only good for about 30 feet away from a device that can pick up the signal. The signal is relayed through the iOS network to the people who are trying to track the signal. Air Tags do not use GPS, but rely on Bluetooth technology to connect to another Bluetooth device such as an iPhone. Even if the pilot activated the Air Tag when he ejected from the plane, I doubt that the plane would have remained within the proximity of a Bluetooth device to aid in tracking. Furthermore, Air Tags only work on Apple devices and are not compatible with the Android system which means that only 28% of devices can pick up the signal .

The signal from an Air Tag is only updated every minute or so which for a plane flying at sub-sonic speeds will still leave a search area of about 10 miles. It would narrow the search, particularly if the plane remains on the same vector.

Finally there is the human element. If the pilot has decided to eject from their plane, then they are going to be focused upon other concerns