Sky’s the limit for coalition pitching the ‘next big evolution’ in flight safety and efficiency.
Aireon, a global operator of space-based air traffic management data products and services, is setting the stage to lead the next big evolution in safety and efficiency with the formation of the Aireon Space-Based VHF Coalition – a group of organizations that will develop the concept of operations for space-based VHF voice and data communications for aviation.
Iridium, NAV CANADA, NATS, AirNav Ireland, ENAV and Naviair will join Aireon as part of the Aireon Space-Based VHF Coalition and discussions are underway with additional Aireon partners who are expected to join in the near future.
The addition of space-based ADS-B surveillance to remote and oceanic airspace operations five years ago has improved the safety and efficiency of more than 50% of the world’s airspace.
The concept of space-based VHF holds similar promise for the aviation industry, particularly for areas with limited connectivity or without ground infrastructure like remote regions and oceanic routes.
Like space-based ADS-B, space-based VHF has the potential to improve airspace safety, efficiency and sustainability by reducing aircraft separation and more efficient routing.
The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) has already approved the allocation of new radio frequencies for aeronautical use – is paving the regulatory way for space-based VHF communications.
In support of the frequency allocation, Aireon will file for a license to operate a space-based VHF system in the newly allocated spectrum band. In addition, with the coalition partners, Aireon will support the work being done at ICAO addressing technical and operational requirements and coordination.
“Aireon operates the only global space-based automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) system, so we have a deep understanding of the importance of enhancing communication, navigation and surveillance capabilities for aviation, particularly in oceanic and remote airspace,” said Don Thoma, CEO, Aireon.
“This coalition, composed of innovators and pioneers of space-based technology, will strive to overcome the challenges of space-based VHF to position Aireon to be the first air traffic control-grade provider of space-based VHF.”
Aireon set the gold-standard in aviation data, spending more than 12 years deploying and operating the only certified space-based surveillance system. Currently, Aireon data is used by about 50% of the world’s airspace to safely and efficiently navigate aircraft; Aireon counts more than 40 countries, represented by more than 20 ANSPs, as its customers.
“At Aireon, we understand the complexities and challenges of operating space-based safety of life services. We’ve been doing it for years. And as we embark on this new initiative, we will apply the same rigorous process to deploy and operate space-based VHF services as we did when we launched space-based ADS-B,” Thoma said. “We are confident that this coalition is best suited to address the high-standard of quality that space-based VHF technology requires and is best suited to deploy another game changing service to the aviation community.”
Aireon recently signed an expanded data distribution deal with Airbus for Space-Based ADS-B.
Under the terms of the multi-year contract, Airbus will integrate Aireon’s global ADS-B data feed into its advanced flight analytics products, as well as the advanced digital solutions that the company offers to its customers.
Multi-sourced real-time flight position data is one of the pillars to provide airlines, aircraft lessors and lessees and other aviation stakeholders advanced digital solutions.
Securing the provision of Aireon’s global ADS-B data feed confirms Airbus’ commitment to its customers to provide advanced real-time solutions to boost their operations and business.
Aireon is also ushering in a new era of data analytics with the release of the first of its Data Dashboard products – Safety Dashboard.
This new dashboard will support and enhance air navigation service providers’ (ANSP) safety assurance programs by identifying leading indicators of the industry’s biggest operational risks.
The web-based dashboard provides a visual representation of certain key risk indicators, making it easy to identify trends, patterns and outliers- complementing existing safety processes to lead to proactive identification of risk and an enhanced method to monitor mitigation efficacy.
Data is derived from Aireon’s ADS-B and initial metrics include Traffic Collision and Avoidance System (TCAS) alerts, risk of runway overruns and transponder emergency codes.
Aireon is collaborating with existing customers, Civil Air Navigation Services Organization (CANSO) and its ANSP membership to develop and prioritize future metrics for the dashboard.
New metrics will include high-speed rejected take-offs, a collision risk metric leveraging time to conflict and an Oceanic Risk metric – expected to be implemented in the coming months.
Future metrics will include additional approach and landing metrics, environmental risks, and collision risks.
The Aireon Safety Dashboard is the first in a series of operational data dashboards to be developed by Aireon.
Over 2024 and 2025, Aireon intends to introduce dashboards focused on operational and environmental metrics, including vertical and horizontal flight efficiency; fuel burn and emissions; contrails and flight plan deviations.
