MCLEAN, Va., - Aireon, a provider of space-based air traffic management data solutions in McLean, Va., announced it is leading an initiative with the establishment of the Aireon Space-Based VHF Coalition. Comprising organizations such as Iridium, NAV CANADA, NATS, AirNav Ireland, ENAV, and Naviair, the coalition aims to develop the concept of operations for space-based VHF voice and data communications within the aviation sector.
Discussions are ongoing with additional Aireon partners, anticipated to join the coalition soon. This move follows Aireon's introduction of space-based ADS-B surveillance to remote and oceanic airspace operations five years ago.
Space-based VHF presents a prospect for the aviation industry, particularly in areas with limited connectivity or lacking ground infrastructure, such as remote regions and oceanic routes. Similar to space-based ADS-B, space-based VHF holds the potential to enhance airspace safety, efficiency, and sustainability by reducing aircraft separation and facilitating more efficient routing.
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The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) recently approved the allocation of new radio frequencies for aeronautical use, paving the regulatory path for space-based VHF communications. Aireon, in support of this frequency allocation, intends to apply for a license to operate a space-based VHF system within the newly designated spectrum band.
Working collaboratively with coalition partners, Aireon is committed to supporting efforts at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), where work on technical and operational requirements, as well as coordination, will be addressed.
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Don Thoma, CEO of Aireon, expressed the coalition's dedication to overcoming the challenges of space-based VHF. With over 12 years of experience deploying and operating the space-based surveillance system, Aireon's data is currently employed by approximately 50% of the world's airspace, with over 40 countries and more than 20 Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) as customers.
"At Aireon, we understand the complexities and challenges of operating space-based safety-of-life services. We've been doing it for years," Thoma stated. "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. 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."
