The first commercial flights of a programme that uses Iris satellite technology to help modernise air traffic management and reduce carbon emissions have taken place.
The ground-breaking Iris programme, led by ESA and communications company Viasat, digitally connects pilots with air traffic controllers, via satellites, enabling the more efficient routing of flights. As well as saving time, it is predicted that, through reduced fuel burn, carbon dioxide emissions could be cut significantly. This will contribute to the aim of reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050, which ESA aims to accelerate through working with partners to deliver tangible and measurable contributions.