Photo: Aireon

[Via Satellite 11-12-13] Representatives from airlines, aviation organizations and Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs), gathered in Singapore for the first meeting of the newly formed Space-based ADS-B Advisory Committee (SAAC). The SAAC brings together key stakeholders from across the aviation industry to provide input, guidance and critical operational insight to Aireon as it embarks upon deploying its space-based global air traffic surveillance system, extending ADS-B coverage and benefits to every flight path across the planet, which is expected to be fully operational in 2017.

“The SAAC is charged with providing the feedback needed to guarantee that the needs of both the airlines and ANSPs are met when Aireon is fully operational,” said Don Thoma, president and CEO, Aireon.

Aireon’s space-based ADS-B surveillance service will improve the efficiency of air traffic operations around the world through reduced procedural separation standards between aircraft in remote and oceanic airspace, resulting in significantly reduced flight times, fuel costs and greenhouse gas emissions by aircraft.

The SAAC is comprised of nine members including representatives from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the IATA Operations Committee (OPC), Air Canada, Delta Air Lines and Lufthansa, as well as ANSP representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), U.K. NATS, and Nav Canada. The group is tasked with providing industry-related counsel and collaboration on operational, regulatory, and technological issues before the launch of Aireon’s services.

“Space-based ADS-B has the potential to save airlines over USD $120 million per year starting in 2018 in the North Atlantic alone,” said Rudy Kellar, executive vice president of service delivery, Nav Canada.

Since launching in June 2012, Aireon has secured a long-term data services contract with its first customer, Nav Canada, and a $42 million data processing contract with ITT Exelis. Interest from international ANSPs continues to grow and Aireon expects to sign additional data service contracts over the coming years.