Don Thoma, CEO of Aireon. Photo: Aireon

[Via Satellite 03-03-2014] Aireon has signed a 12-year agreement for data services with NATS, the U.K.’s privatized provider of air traffic control services and air traffic management in the North Atlantic, Europe and internationally. NATS will be using Aireon’s space-based ADS-B surveillance to enhance air traffic management and provide improved coverage over the North Atlantic region.

NATS will also be a charter Air Navigation Service provider (ANSP) of Aireon, working closely with NAV Canada and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on the technical and operational development of space-based ADS-B services. Together, these three companies will develop policies, standards and operational procedures for the service.

NATS and Aireon will also collaborate in the marketing and deployment of Aireon’s space-based ADS-B services in other global regions, along with the development of new value-added applications for aviation and air traffic management.

“Under this relationship, NATS will use its wealth of air traffic management and operating experience to bring leadership and insight to the deployment of Aireon in the North Atlantic and globally, helping to unlock the true potential of global air traffic surveillance,” said Don Thoma, president and CEO, Aireon.