Two of the world’s largest air navigation service providers (ANSP) – NATS UK and NAV CANADA – have solidified their operational support of Aireon’s space-based automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) data services with the extension of customer contracts that will keep the data flowing until well into the next decade.
Under the terms of the two separate contracts, Aireon will continue to provide its global, reliable ADS-B data for NATS until 2037 and NAV CANADA through mid-2035. The two ANSPs have been long-time supporters of Aireon’s space-based data service, signing on as the first investors and customers of the data 10 years ago. Since then, the data has proven itself to be an invaluable tool, driving robust operational, safety, and environmental benefits, particularly over the world’s busiest travel lane in the North Atlantic.
“The extensions of the contracts with NAV CANADA and NATS UK are testaments the importance of the data in their concept of operations, and to their confidence in the Aireon system and team,” said Don Thoma, Aireon CEO. “We look forward to continued and fruitful collaboration with them for many years to come.”
Going forward, NATS and NAV CANADA will continue to play pivotal roles as charter customers and will be instrumental in the development of new Aireon innovations, including new data products and the continued cooperative development of space-based VHF.
“NAV CANADA has been a supporter of Aireon and a primary user of their space-based ADS-B data since their service went into operation in 2019. Aireon provides NAV CANADA with real-time surveillance coverage across Canada’s domestic and oceanic airspace, enhancing operational safety, efficiency, and service continuity in remote and oceanic regions. It’s a key contributor to our purpose to keeping Canadian skies safe,” said Mark Cooper, President and CEO of NAV CANADA.
“Introducing space-based communications allowed NATS to revolutionize the safety and efficiency of the surveillance service provided over the North Atlantic. I am pleased to be extending our contract so that we can continue to offer the service to our customers,” said Martin Rolfe, CEO of NATS.
The contract extensions come on the heels of an announcement on May 14 that Iridium reached agreement to acquire full ownership of Aireon from NATS, NAV CANADA, and the other original ANSP investors.
“On behalf of the Aireon team, I want to thank the NAV CANADA, NATS UK, and all of the ANSP investors for their steadfast support in Aireon as a company and for helping to make space-based ADS-B a critical part of the world’s aviation infrastructure,” Thoma said.
