[Via Satellite 07-19-2016] Aireon has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Myanmar’s Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) to collaboratively develop a concept of operations and benefits analysis for the deployment of its forthcoming space-based Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) service.

DCA provides air traffic control, air navigation, aeronautical information and aeronautical telecommunication for international and domestic aircraft inside the Yangon Flight Information Region (FIR). The organization controls an increasingly busy air traffic thoroughfare between Asia, Europe and the Middle East, with some of its territory being oceanic where terrestrial-based systems are limited. According to Boeing’s Long Term Market Outlook, Asia could become the largest travel market in the world, growing at 6.1 percent annually and adding more than 100 million new passengers each year.

“We have many challenges installing ground-based surveillance solutions due to the remote and diverse terrain in our region,” said Soe Paing, director of air navigation safety, DCA Myanmar. “We are growing at almost 10 percent annually and need to ensure that airspace safety is one of our top priorities. The Aireon service will offer us increased safety and visibility that exceeds the capabilities of ground-based infrastructure.”

Aireon’s space-based ADS-B service begins launching in September aboard the Iridium Next constellation. In the Asia-Pacific, Aireon also has a signed data service agreement with the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), and has a long-standing MOA with the Airports Authority of India (AAI).