An independent review has confirmed that Space-Based ADS-B has delivered substantial safety, efficiency and environmental benefits since its introduction in North Atlantic airspace six years ago.
The assessment by Steer, a global aviation consultancy, found the technology delivers approximately £2 in value to airlines for every £1 spent. NATS commissioned the review as part of its regulatory requirements.
NATS and Nav Canada implemented Aireon's Space-Based ADS-B service on March 27, 2019. The technology replaced traditional position reporting with real-time satellite surveillance, allowing controllers to monitor aircraft with unprecedented accuracy.
The review compared data from 2023 to the pre-implementation baseline in 2018. It confirmed the service has significantly improved situational awareness and operational performance across the North Atlantic.
Access to real-time surveillance has enabled reduced separation between aircraft while strengthening collision prevention measures across oceanic airspace. This has unlocked additional capacity for aircraft to fly optimal trajectories and preferred speeds.
Controllers now have precise real-time locations of aircraft, leading to faster response times in emergency situations. Airlines have also benefited from more consistent and predictable flight times, improving passenger experience and operational planning.
The review highlights that aircraft now receive their requested trajectories and oceanic entry points more frequently. The resulting reduction in fuel burn has contributed to a significant cut in carbon emissions.
In 2023 alone, the technology helped save 45,000 tonnes of CO₂ compared to 2018 levels. Airlines also realized £19 million in annual fuel burn savings.
"This review confirms what we have seen first hand over the past six years – Aireon's Space-Based ADS-B service has been a game-changer for air traffic management over the North Atlantic," said Jacob Young, head of oceanic service at NATS. "It has delivered measurable benefits for safety, efficiency, and sustainability."
NATS is now exploring further opportunities to enhance oceanic airspace management using performance metrics identified in the assessment to maximize the technology's benefits.
The 12-month review included input from numerous stakeholders through workshops attended by up to 87 participants from airlines, airports, the CAA, IATA and others. Steer conducted the independent review with support from Integra, assessing the economic, operational and environmental impact of the technology.
ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast) is an aviation surveillance technology where aircraft broadcast their position and other data. Aireon's service uses ADS-B receivers built into each of the 66 satellites in Iridium's second-generation satellite constellation, providing real-time air traffic surveillance globally.