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Commercial air passengers across Europe will soon experience fewer flight delays and greener travel thanks to pilots being able to use satellites to route their planes.
The ESA-backed Iris for aviation system connects pilots digitally to air traffic controllers via satellites, so that flight routes can be optimised. Pilots will be able to fly the most efficient routes, saving time and fuel, while cutting carbon dioxide emissions by up to 10%.
The system has almost completed its certification process with the European Aviation Safety Authority – following which it can be used for pan-European air traffic management – following a commercial deal signed 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), which delivers communication, navigation and surveillance services for aviation.
Under the agreement, the ESSP will interface with more than 30 national air traffic control authorities and manage the completion of certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency.
With large quantities of data relayed to and from the aircraft, the Iris system provides secure, reliable and fast high-bandwidth links between pilots and air traffic controllers. It complements the outdated data communications technology that is used at present and is nearing full capacity in Europe’s congested airspace.
Iris is due to enter commercial and operational service fully in Europe next year, and airlines including easyJet and ITA Airways have already signed up to use the system.