easyJet Airbus A320neo aircraft

Passengers on board commercial airline easyJet will speed to their destinations faster and greener, thanks to an ESA-backed initiative to digitalise the skies.

The Iris system uses satellites to connect pilots digitally to air traffic controllers, so that flight routes can be optimised. Pilots will be able to fly the most efficient routes, saving time and fuel while cutting emissions of planet-warming carbon dioxide.

easyJet will fit the Iris system to up to 11 newly delivered Airbus A320neo aircraft, flying commercially from November 2022.

ESA developed the Iris system in partnership with UK-based satellite communication company Inmarsat to help ease congestion in the skies. Air travel is increasing rapidly and is expected to return to pre-pandemic levels within the next few years and to continue to rise thereafter.