In a major development for commercial air travel in Europe, pilots will soon have the ability to use satellite technology to optimize flight routes, resulting in fewer delays and greener travel. The Iris for aviation system, supported by the European Space Agency (ESA), will digitally connect pilots to air traffic controllers via satellites, allowing for the most efficient routes to be flown. This will not only save time and fuel but also reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 10%.
The system is currently undergoing its certification process with the European Aviation Safety Authority and is expected to be used for pan-European air traffic management. This progress follows a commercial agreement between UK-based satellite communication company Inmarsat, which developed the technology with ESA support and was recently acquired by Viasat, and the European Satellite Services Provider (ESSP), responsible for delivering communication, navigation, and surveillance services for aviation.
Under the agreement, ESSP will collaborate with over 30 national air traffic control authorities to manage the completion of certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency. The Iris system will provide secure, reliable, and high-bandwidth links between pilots and air traffic controllers, facilitating the transfer of large quantities of data. This modernized communication technology will complement the outdated systems currently in use and nearing full capacity in Europe’s congested airspace.
The Iris system is set to enter commercial and operational service throughout Europe next year, with airlines like easyJet and ITA Airways already signed up to utilize the system. Charlotte Neyret, CEO of ESSP, expressed confidence in Iris as a pioneering satellite communications data link program that will bring numerous benefits to the aerospace industry. These benefits include the development of environmentally friendly routes, improved air traffic control management, reduced fuel costs, and more efficient air operations.
Joel Klooster, Senior Vice President Airline Operations and Safety for Viasat’s Inmarsat business, emphasized the significance of ESSP’s appointment as the Iris service provider. He highlighted that this milestone not only impacts Iris but the entire aviation industry. Klooster emphasized the collective effort required to make a difference in climate change and praised the collaboration among partners with a shared goal.
Javier Benedicto, Acting Director of Connectivity and Secure Communications at ESA, expressed pride in supporting the space-enabled digitalization of Europe’s skies, which will contribute to greener aviation. Benedicto highlighted ESA’s partnership with Inmarsat in developing the Iris system and eagerly anticipated its certification, as it will bring shorter journey times and greener travel to European citizens. He concluded by stating that Iris is a prime example of how ESA is leveraging space technology for a sustainable future.
