Myanmar Signs Deal to Explore Deploying Space-Based ADS-B

Aireon LLC announced today that it has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) in Myanmar. DCA will collaborate with Aireon to develop a concept of operations and benefits analysis for the deployment of Aireon’s space-based Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) service.

DCA provides air traffic control, air navigation, aeronautical information and aeronautical telecommunication for international and domestic aircraft inside the Yangon Flight Information Region (FIR). It controls an increasingly busy air traffic thoroughfare between Asia, Europe and the Middle East, with some of its territory being oceanic where terrestrial-based systems are limited. According to Boeing’s Long Term Market Outlook, Asia is expected to be the largest travel market in the world, growing at 6.1 percent annually and adding over 100 million new passengers each year, making DCA an essential aviation authority within the region.

“We look forward to working with Aireon on the concept of operations. We have many challenges installing ground-based surveillance solutions, due to the remote and diverse terrain in our region,” said Soe Paing, Director, Air Navigation Safety, DCA Myanmar. “We are growing at almost 10 percent annually and need to ensure that airspace safety is one of our top priorities. The Aireon^SM service will offer us increased safety and visibility that exceeds the capabilities of ground-based infrastructure.”

“We recognize the challenges that Myanmar faces. The Aireon service will allow DCA to utilize next-generation air traffic surveillance, in real time, without the need for large investments in ground-based infrastructure,” said Cyriel Kronenburg, vice president, aviation services, Aireon, “We applaud them for focusing on improving safety to meet future air traffic demand both within Myanmar and overflying traffic. Additionally, as Iridium gets ready to launch its first group of ten satellites this summer with Aireon payloads on board, we are eager to work with DCA to build a successful use case for the deployment of space-based ADS-B.”

In February, Aireon signed a data service agreement with the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), and it has a long-standing MOA with the Airports Authority of India (AAI). Working with these neighboring regions, the benefits of Aireon’s space-based ADS-B service will expand greatly and provide more direct routes and real-time visibility while also reducing emissions.