A Saudi Airlines jet takes flight. Photo: Altayar Group.

Aireon announced it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Saudi Air Navigation Services (SANS), Saudi Arabia’s Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP). SANS is managing one of the largest and busiest airspaces in the Middle East and, through this MOU, will develop and analyze a concept of operations for space-based Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) as an additional layer of surveillance. Aireon’s space-based ADS-B system is completely independent of traditional ground-based services, according to the company.

SANS is responsible for the provision of air navigation services in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The organization is actively investing in airspace modernization concepts and will begin its space-based ADS-B benefits analyses within the coming months. With the Aireon space-based ADS-B data, SANS anticipates extending real-time air traffic surveillance throughout their entire region, making ADS-B equipped aircraft position information available regardless of terrain or ground infrastructure.

“Deploying space-based ADS-B is an opportunity to optimize air traffic flow, while reducing the current separation minima and providing significant airline benefits. Space-based ADS-B will also help us increase safety for all aviation stakeholders and the flying public,” said SANS Chairman of the Board Abdullah Alsuweilmy.

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the Middle East will see an extra 244 million passengers a year on routes to, from and within the region by 2035.