Viasat Role in Next-Gen Air Traffic Management

The skies are becoming increasingly crowded, and the demand for more efficient and smarter air travel has never been greater. To meet these challenges, the aviation industry is embracing advanced digital communications, and Viasat is at the forefront of this transformation.

 

This year, we are proud to be a partner in the 2025 Boeing ecoDemonstrator Explorer program, an industry-critical initiative which is conducting tests to advance Internet Protocol Suite (IPS) technology. This initiative is designed to revolutionize air traffic control and operational efficiency, and Viasat’s SATCOM service technology and ground infrastructure are playing a vital role.

 

A Foundation in Innovation: From SwiftBroadband-Safety (SB-S) to Iris

 

Our involvement builds upon the groundbreaking Iris program, developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) in partnership with Viasat, which is already operational and playing a critical role in European airspace. Iris has been instrumental in demonstrating how satellite-based communication can enable Trajectory Based Operations (TBO), allowing for more precise flight paths and optimizing air traffic flow.

 

The Boeing ecoDemonstrator activity has showcased the ability of Viasat’s SB-S service to support the transition to Aeronautical Telecommunication Network/Internet Protocol Suite (ATN/IPS), the next generation of IP-based datalink critical to supporting increased air traffic volumes in a sustainable and efficient manner.

 

Testing Tomorrow's Communications, Today

 

The ecoDemonstrator Explorer, an in-service United Airlines 737-8, is conducting a series of flight tests across the US, UK, and EU. During these tests, our SATCOM service technology and ground infrastructure are being rigorously evaluated as part of the broader IPS framework. This internet-based, multi-link communication capability is set to become the new standard for safety-critical information in aviation delivering greater efficiency and reliability compared to legacy protocols.

 

As Joel Klooster, Senior Vice President of Viasat Airline Operations and Safety, states: “The testing being conducted through the ecoDemonstrator Explorer Program will provide highly valuable insights set to shape the industry’s pathway to smarter skies, and at Viasat we are thrilled to be working alongside Boeing to progress this ambition. The success of the Iris program, developed in partnership with the European Space Agency, has exemplified the value of partnerships to advance aviation efficiency and now we look forward to seeing Viasat’s SB-S service enable the next generation of IP-based datalink technology by supporting the transition to ATN/IPS. This is an exciting time for the industry and we look forward translating test data into real world impact in the coming years.”

 

The Promise of IPS and ATN/IPS

 

The transition to ATN/IPS will bring significant benefits:

• Modernized Data Transfer: Enabling seamless, high-bandwidth communication between the flight deck, air traffic control, and airline operation centers.
• Enhanced Cybersecurity: Strengthening the security of critical aviation data.
• Efficient Airspace: Facilitating more precise flight planning and predictive routing, leading to reduced delays and congestion.
• Sustainability: Contributing to a potential reduction of up to 10% in fuel consumption and carbon emissions through optimized flight paths.

Our participation in the Boeing ecoDemonstrator Explorer program underscores our commitment to fostering a more efficient, and smarter future for digitalized aviation. We are proud to contribute our expertise and technology to this collaborative effort, laying the groundwork for the next era of global air traffic management.