Sponsored Feature: IRIS
UNLOCKING THE REAL VALUE OF DATALINK THROUGH IRIS Satellite technology plays a significant role in boosting your bottom line. The Iris datalink is a prime example of an important development
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n the vast expanse of space, cutting-edge satellite technology is revolutionizing the aviation industry by enhancing connectivity to the cockpit. This pivotal advancement is not only propelling the modernization of Air Traffic Management (ATM) but is also unlocking substantial benefits for airlines. Crucially, this technology is already in use with easyJet, with more airlines in the process of onboarding, offering reductions in fuel usage (and subsequent CO2 emissions) through more efficient operation of the aircraft.
“The [Iris] system is working well and meeting all requirements.”
Iris and the modernization of air traffic management The secure satellite datalink provided by Iris delivers high-speed communications for real-time interaction, enhancing the way aircraft communicate with air traffic controllers. This system supports the sharing of more detailed information from the flight deck to the ground, including 4D trajectory data, which allows for the precise and efficient management of airspace. By enabling aircraft to fly the most direct routes and maintain optimum trajectories, Iris significantly reduces the need for longer flight paths and ‘step-down approaches’ that involve multiple adjustments in thrust, pitch, and altitude, thereby saving time, fuel and CO2. The Iris datalink, a pioneering space-based technology, has been created by satellite communications company Viasat and funded by the European Space Agency
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(ESA). The European Satellite Services Provider (ESSP) manages the service, which has been officially introduced into operational use with easyJet in January 2024. Iris has already improved more than 3,000 easyJet flights by offering increased datalink capacity getting one step closer to i4D/EPP flight optimization – easyJet’s Chief Operating Officer, Captain David Morgan explains: “The Iris programme will play a pivotal role in providing the industry with a blueprint for a Single European Sky. We’ve long been campaigning for airspace reform across Europe so taking advantage of this technology is the next natural step in accomplishing this goal. We’ve had three aircraft operating the Iris system since the
start of 2024 and hope to bring more online later this year. The focus so far has been on validating the performance of the system and ensuring it meets the requirements for ATN communications. The system is working well and meeting all requirements”. Morgan continues: “We took over 1.5 million minutes of ATC En-Route delay in 2023. ATC modernization is required within Europe and enhanced datalink is key to enabling this. There are numerous opportunities to support our On Time Performance with greater connectivity which we’re assessing as part of the program. A common theme amongst these is greater data availability for our crews and increased communication capabilities between our
airlines.iata.org
09/09/2024 10:56