easyJet soars with iris: Transforming air traffic communication

Tuesday, January 30, 2024

easyJet has become the inaugural airline partner for the groundbreaking Iris program, spearheaded by the European Space Agency (ESA) and global communications company Viasat. This pioneering initiative leverages cutting-edge satellite technology to modernize air traffic management (ATM).

The Iris program, certified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and facilitated by the European Satellite Services Provider (ESSP), has enlisted the support of 15 leading Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) to facilitate the first commercial flights scheduled throughout Europe this year. These flights involve up to 11 easyJet Airbus A320neo aircraft, marking a significant milestone in the implementation of the Single European Skies initiative.

Through the utilization of Iris technology, easyJet aims to optimize its aircraft operations for improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. Additionally, the program is pivotal in advancing airspace modernization across the aviation industry.

Airspace modernization is a pivotal component of the aviation industry’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions. In 2022, easyJet announced a science-based carbon reduction target, striving for a 35% reduction in carbon emissions intensity by FY2035, relative to a FY2020 baseline. This commitment aligns with the airline’s overarching goal to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Efficient airspace utilization plays a crucial role in emissions reduction as it offers the most attainable avenue for carbon reduction. Direct flight paths lead to shorter travel times, resulting in reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions. Attaining this efficiency is essential for realizing the European Single Sky’s ATM Research (SESAR) ambition of achieving a 10% reduction in carbon emissions from European aviation.

Iris represents a significant technological advancement by providing faster and more reliable satellite communication between aircraft and ground control. This technology enables air traffic controllers and pilots to optimize routes, cruise at ideal altitudes, and utilize continuous climb and descent paths for enhanced operational efficiency.

The European Space Agency (ESA) has spearheaded and funded the Iris program to support the European Policy on Single European Skies. This initiative offers comprehensive European coverage and relies on state-of-the-art, highly secure satellite communication mobile technologies. ESA has collaborated closely with European aviation stakeholders, including the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), to ensure Iris meets European and global aviation requirements. To achieve this objective, ESA has established a European industrial consortium comprising over twenty companies, with Viasat serving as the prime contractor.

Powered by Viasat’s acclaimed SwiftBroadband-Safety (SB-S) connectivity platform, Iris lays the foundation for multilink data link communications, a crucial element in implementing new ATM functionalities. Iris facilitates the exchange of trajectory and intent-based operational information, enabling airlines to avoid holding patterns, optimize routes and altitudes, and benefit from continuous climb and descent pathways.

Adopting Iris technology on its aircraft positions easyJet to achieve more direct and efficient flight operations, thereby reducing carbon emissions and enhancing on-time performance, ultimately improving the passenger experience. easyJet is committed to leading in this area as it works toward its net-zero emissions goal by 2050.

The inauguration of these initial commercial flights marks the realization of a decade-long vision and investment in this new datalink communication solution, aiming to enhance aviation safety and environmental sustainability. ESSP is honored to orchestrate this synchronized effort among all stakeholders, from industry players to airlines, with active participation from numerous Air Navigation Service Providers. Iris technology unlocks the development of eco-friendly flight routes, leading to improved ATC management, reduced fuel costs, and the implementation of more efficient air operations.

These groundbreaking Iris commercial flights establish Europe as a frontrunner in the digitization and modernization of Air Traffic Management, offering tangible benefits to the commercial aviation sector and society at large. As an extension of Iris, Iris Global, launched in 2022, seeks to expand these benefits beyond Europe by geographically extending its reach to Asia, the USA, the Middle East, and Australia. Furthermore, it plans to broaden its services by incorporating new ICAO aviation standards and satellite-based communication solutions to support the future management of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS). This momentous achievement in commercial aviation is shared with the ESA Member States that have supported and continue to support Iris activities. It represents a critical step toward reducing emissions and alleviating congestion in European skies, and the industry eagerly anticipates reaping the rewards of this innovation well into the future, benefiting passengers and airlines alike.

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