Iris programme enters implementation phase

The research phase of Inmarsat’s Iris air traffic management programme has successfully concluded and work on commercial implementation has now commenced, says the company. In partnership with the European Space Agency (ESA), the programme is being developed to deliver benefits to airlines and Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) across Europe by enabling high bandwidth, cost effective satellite-based datalink communications. This allows aircraft to be pinpointed in four dimensions, known as four dimensional (4D) operations, which include latitude, longitude, altitude and time. 4D operations enable precise flight tracking and more efficient air traffic management to reduce delays and save fuel,  which