easyJet take off

The first commercial flights of a programme that uses Iris satellite technology to help modernise air traffic management and reduce carbon emissions have taken place.

The ground-breaking Iris programme, led by ESA and communications company Viasat, digitally connects pilots with air traffic controllers, via satellites, enabling the more efficient routing of flights. As well as saving time, it is predicted that, through reduced fuel burn, carbon dioxide emissions could be cut significantly. This will contribute to the aim of reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050, which ESA aims to accelerate through working with partners to deliver tangible and measurable contributions.

Several airlines are in the pipeline to sign up to use Iris, and easyJet was the first airline to make an inaugural flight using the technology on its Amsterdam – Milan route. Iris will continue to be rolled out by easyJet, with more aircraft being equipped with the technology during 2024.

By using satellite communications, Iris provides secure, reliable and fast high-bandwidth links between pilots and air traffic controllers. This complements the current use of radio frequencies that are nearing full capacity in Europe’s congested airspace. The system supports more direct flight paths, leading to shorter flying times with less fuel burn and therefore generating lower emissions. Passengers will also benefit directly, with fewer delays.

Iris is also in the front line to put the Single European Skies initiative into action. Single European Skies aims to tackle the fragmentation of European airspace, with improvements in safety, capacity, cost-efficiency and environmental impact.

While easyJet is the first airline to use Iris for a commercial flight, other European airlines will also equip aircraft with Iris. For example, Italy’s national carrier ITA Airways has confirmed it would join the programme.

Iris is set for expansion beyond Europe. Called Iris Global, this next phase of the project will also see the system developed for potential use in remotely piloted aircraft systems. Operating beyond visual line of sight, such aircraft would gain a vital safety benefit from the extra layer of resilience that the Iris satellite communications provide.