TAMPA, Fla. — A gaggle founded by European air traffic controllers has signed a deal to bring improved airspace-tracking capabilities from Viasat’s constellation to market next 12 months.
The European Satellite Services Provider group, or ESSP, said July 6 it can be accountable for leading the commercialization of Iris, an air traffic modernization program the European Space Agency developed with Viasat’s recently acquired satellite operator Inmarsat.
Iris — to not be confused with Europe’s proposed IRIS² connectivity constellation — guarantees to assist aircraft fly more efficient routes by utilizing Inmarsat’s L-band satellites to enhance congested VHF data links.
In accordance with ESA, fitting aircraft with higher bandwidth Iris technology would give air traffic controllers more data to schedule landings upfront, minimize fuel consumption, and maximize airspace and airport capability.
Communications between pilots and controllers could also move from voice to text messages under the upgraded air traffic management (ATM) system, improving operational safety and efficiency.
Iris forms a component of the Single European Sky’s Air Traffic Management Research master plan proposed in 2020 to create more environmentally sustainable and efficient flight paths.
These services seek to construct on air traffic surveillance capabilities U.S.-based Aireon currently offers via Iridium’s satellite network.
Aireon serves greater than 20 air navigation service providers, representing greater than 40 countries covering over 50% of worldwide airspace, including Canada, Italy, Ireland, Denmark, Portugal, and the UK.
France-based ESSP was initially arrange in 2001 so their air navigation shareholders could take part in the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service program, which Europe uses to enhance and improve GPS services within the region.
ESSP currently comprises the air navigation service providers of France, Portugal, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Spain, and the UK.
U.K.-based easyJet and ITA Airways of Italy are among the many first airlines aspiring to operate early Iris services next 12 months, in response to ESSP.