Skykraft has secured approval from the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) for its spectrum filing for a constellation of 2976 satellites. This advances its goal of providing global space-enabled ADS-B and VHF communications services, promising enhancements in aviation safety, sustainability, efficiency, and resilience.
“Skykraft looks forward to using this filing to contribute to global goals to improve safety, sustainability, efficiency and capacity in aviation,” said Dr Michael Frater, CEO of Skykraft. “Skykraft’s space-enabled air traffic management services will be available for testing in 2025 and operational service in 2026. This service will bring significant benefits to oceanic and remote regions will improve performance in the world’s most congested airspace.”
After launching and testing 10 prototype satellites in 2023, Skykraft plans to deploy more pre-production satellites in 2024. The operational constellation will begin rolling out in 2025 with an initial launch of 50 satellites, aiming for full operational service by 2026, followed by ongoing satellite count expansion in the years to come.
Over the last three years, the company has worked with air navigation service providers to align space-enabled air traffic management services with their needs. In 2023, a notable demonstration of capability took place through a collaborative trial with Airservices Australia, showcasing direct communication between satellites and aircraft using onboard radios, facilitated by Skykraft’s VHF payload.
Additionally, the company actively assists the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in adapting international standards for space-enabled service access. The spectrum filing process by ITU builds on the recent World Radio Congress endorsement for utilizing VHF aeronautical frequencies from space.
Skykraft’s VHF communications service is supplemented by a surveillance service, leveraging aircraft position broadcasts to furnish timely aircraft position data to air traffic controllers.
The integration of space-enabled services for pilots and air traffic controllers brings numerous benefits. It enhances safety through real-time communications, supports the aviation industry’s goal of net-zero emissions, improves efficiency by reducing fuel consumption and flight delays, and reinforces air traffic management system resilience against satellite navigation system disruptions.
Illustration: Skykraft.
ACIA Aero Leasing, headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, announced the successful delivery of one of two ATR 72-500 Bulk Freighters to…
One TPS-P14ME Mobile Air Surveillance Radar System from Japan was officially handed over to the Philippines Air Force (PAF). The…
Skyllence, an international air charter broker, announced the appointment of Kestutis Abarius as Head of Sales on Monday (Apr. 29).…
Qatar Airways and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) have reaffirmed their commitment to aiding the most vulnerable…
The Philippines Coast Guard (PCG) is set to acquire an additional five Multi-Role Response Vessels (MRRVs) from Japan. These vessels…
Korean Air is set to open a new daily route connecting Seoul Incheon with Macau starting 1 July 2024, as…
Qatar Airways Cargo announced the opening of its advanced Animal Centre and the relaunching of its Next Generation Live product…
All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Air India, India's national flag carrier, have established a commercial agreement to initiate a codeshare…
Saab has completed the delivery of another GlobalEye Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft to the United Arab Emirates…
In what seems to be a continuation of Vietnam’s Defence Minister General Phan Van Giang's visit to South Korea in…
GD Helicopter Finance (GDHF), a Dublin-based helicopter leasing and finance company, has secured a contract with Airbus Helicopters and GDAT,…
Indian Low-Cost Carrier (LCC) IndiGo has announced a firm order for 30 Airbus A350-900 aircraft in what is its first…
Racer demonstrator, developed by Airbus Helicopters as part of the European Research Clean Sky 2 initiative, has completed its inaugural…
Lockheed Martin Australia has secured an AUD$500 million contract with the Australian Department of Defence to develop the country’s future…
Artemis Aerospace has announced the addition of a hub in Singapore following the launch of two similar sites in the…
ZeroAvia announced plans to offer key components from its hydrogen-electric engines to fellow innovators in the clean aviation industry on…
Challenge Group has announced the launch of Challenge Technic's specialised A-CHECK line at its hangar facility in Hannover on Wednesday…
Korean Air, alongside Hyundai Motor Company, Korea Telecom (KT), Incheon International Airport Corporation (IIAC), and Hyundai Engineering & Construction, has…
Mayman Aerospace is set to unveil a full-scale model of its high-speed Air Utility Vehicle (AUV), Razor, during SOF Week…
TEKEVER, a provider of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in Europe, introduced its newest drone the ARX in San Diego, U.S.…
Viasat and uAvionix have teamed up to enhance global communication services for Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), with uAvionix joining Viasat’s…
Korean Air and WestJet have extended their codeshare agreement to provide additional transpacific travel options for passengers on Monday (Apr.…
China Eastern Airlines has reached an agreement with Amadeus concerning international NDC distribution, marking a significant development for both parties.…
Singaporean officials have launched an Invincible-class submarine for the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) at thyssenKrupp Marine Systems (tKMS) shipyard…
Ten people died following a midair collision between an AW139 helicopter and a Fennec helicopter belonging to the Royal Malaysian…
Integrated Surveillance and Defense (ISD) has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD),…
ST Engineering AirX (AirX), a joint venture between ST Engineering and Peluca (formerly known as Wigetworks), have announced a strategic…
WestJet Cargo is strengthening its flights between Calgary and Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG). The route will operate 5-7 times…
Embraer delivered 25 jets in 1Q24, an increase of 67% compared to the 15 aircraft delivered in 1Q23. Executive Aviation…
Harbour Air, North America's largest seaplane airline, has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to purchase 50 magni650 electric engines,…
Headquartered in Singapore with reporters spread across all major regions, GBP Aerospace & Defence is a leading media house that publishes three publications that serve the aerospace and defence sector - Asian Defence Technology, Asian Airlines & Aerospace and Daily News. Known industry-wide for quality journalism, GBP Aerospace & Defence is present at more international tradeshows and exhibitions than any other competing publication in the region.
For over three decades, our award-winning team of reporters has been producing top-notch content to help readers stay abreast of the latest developements in the field of commercial aviation, MRO, defence, and Space.
Copyright 2024. GBP. All Rights Reserved.
Home Defence & Security Space Commercial Aviation Maintence Repair & Overhaul Daily News Events About Us
2024 GBP all rights reserved.