Today, air traffic service controllers and Pilots use VHF radio technology to manage traffic and coordinate safely aircraft movements in the airspace. This technology has proven to be reliable for aviation over many years now, relying on radio waves to carry voice and data signals. However, it requires line of sight visibility between aircraft and a network of ground communication stations. Therefore, over remote areas, like oceans, deserts or polar regions, airplanes must use less reliable or expensive onboard equipment leading to increase distance between airplanes for safety and, hence, reducing airspace capacity and flight efficiency.

This new solution moves these reliable VHF services into space by using satellites. With this approach, airplanes flying over remote regions will remain connected with their existing equipment as they would do in continental airspaces. This new capability can safely reduce the distance between airplanes in such areas, allowing more efficient flight paths, reduced fuel consumption, lower CO2 emissions, and ultimately, more environmentally friendly air travel.