Aireon and Thales to expand space-based ADS-B collaboration

Aireon and Thales will collaborate and utilise live space-based aircraft positioning data via the Thales TopSky-ATC system as well as the Thales aviation data platform, ECOSystem. Aieron will go live in weeks, providing global air traffic surveillance coverage via satellites. It is supported by the leading Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) around the world, including the UK's NATS.

As predicted by The International Air Transport Association (IATA) in 2013, the world is on track to double the number of aircraft flying by 2030. This is leading to an increase in complexity that makes the current state of global air traffic surveillance no longer viable. Over 70% of the world’s surface is still not covered by traditional surveillance platforms, like primary or secondary radars, therefore a game changing approach to surveillance is required to push thousands more aircraft across the skies.

This announcement today by Thales and Aireon (the first ever company to build and deploy a global, space-based, air traffic surveillance system) to extend their partnership though a new MoA, is a seminal moment on the path to a more interconnected sky.

The MoA, aims to position space-based ADS-B data into the Thales aviation data platform ECOSystem to support applications such as Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM), Collaborative Decision Making (CDM) and UAS Traffic Management (UTM), thus expanding on an agreement executed by the parties in 2015 which established a framework for testing and validation of data integration into the TopSky-ATC, the world’s most advanced air traffic management system.

Through this larger data integration, stakeholders including controllers, pilots, airlines and ANSPs gain increased global visibility of the airspace, thus contributing to optimised operations. this has a direct effect on airspace capacity, as well as a reduction in operating costs from reduced fuel burn . It will reduce ATC infrastructure costs, avoid major future infrastructure investments, enhance airspace flexibility and improve aviation safety.

The partnership’s long-term aim is to create an ecosystem that harnesses next-generation air traffic surveillance technologies. For the first time ever, an air traffic surveillance system will extend reach globally and cover oceanic, polar and remote regions, as well as augment existing ground-based systems. In partnership with leading ANSPs from around the world, as well as a leading satellite communications company, Aireon will provide a global, real-time, space-based air traffic surveillance service to the industry, whilst Thales reconfirms its commitment to expand on the technical collaboration. Thales will focus on ensuring customers can integrate and use Aireon data and leverage Thales’ role as leader in digital technologies to process the considerable volume of data at their disposal for more accurate airspace modelling.

Jean Ferré, Thales Vice President, Air Traffic Management activities, said: “If you speak to anyone in our industry, they will tell you our goal is a more collaborative sky, the creation of a seamless airspace where every stakeholder shares data to best optimise operations and create synergies. Up until now this goal was aspirational, a dream we were all working on but had only the barest hint on how to get there. What Aireon is doing is providing a critical piece of the solution to enable more seamless global view of aviation operations. And what Thales is going to do is leverage our digital tools and expertise to help Aireon monetize that data beyond ATC and help the industry reach that goal”

Cyriel Kronenburg, Aireon Vice President, Aviation Services, said: “Since 2015, Aireon has been actively collaborating with Thales to explore various data integration options and to enable Aireon customers to seamlessly deploy space-based ADS-B data. With this expanded MoA, the possibilities are endless. They are a technological leader and their systems are utilized by many of our customers. In our shared goals to create a seamless airspace and enhance safety, this collaboration will mean that the whole ATM industry will have easy access to our data and the ability to use it in many different areas of aviation.”

Aireon has deployed a space-based air traffic surveillance system for Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) equipped aircraft throughout the entire globe. Aireon is harnessing next-generation aviation surveillance technologies that are currently ground-based and, for the first time ever, extend their reach globally to significantly improve efficiency, enhance safety, reduce emissions and provide cost savings benefits to all stakeholders. Real-time ADS-B surveillance now covers oceanic, polar and remote regions, as well as augment existing ground-based systems that are limited to terrestrial airspace. In partnership with leading ANSPs from around the world, like NAV CANADA, the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), Enav, NATS and Naviair, as well as Iridium Communications, Aireon provides a global, real-time, space-based air traffic surveillance system to all aviation stakeholders.