MCLEAN, Va., Feb. 11, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aireon LLC, the developer of the world's first satellite-based global air traffic surveillance system, plans to form an International Advisory Committee (IAC) that will provide guidance and critical insights to Aireon, ensuring that stakeholders perspectives are incorporated throughout the deployment and long-term operations of the Aireon(SM) service.
Aireon will enable fully global and continuous monitoring and control of aircraft over the oceans and remote regions where it is not currently possible. Aireon's transformative service can have a significant impact on global aircraft operations by safely enabling more efficient flight routing, saving the world's airlines billions of dollars over the lifetime of the system.
Aireon will create an eight person International Advisory Committee that will consist of representatives from the airlines, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and global Air Navigation Service Providers. It is anticipated that the specific members will be named ahead of the IAC's first planned meeting in the second quarter of this year.
"Aireon was created to provide valuable services to global airlines, helping them to decrease fuel burn, enable significant fuel savings and reduce greenhouse gas emissions," said Don Thoma, President and CEO, Aireon. "The creation of the IAC will ensure the needs of the airlines and air navigation service providers are a central part of this revolutionary aviation service."
Since launching in June 2012, Aireon continues to garner support around the world. Expected to be fully operational in 2017, Aireon will provide more efficient, more environmentally friendly, and safer air travel. This first ever global air traffic monitoring service will enable a host of benefits to the world's airlines. It is anticipated to enable improvements to air traffic operations that will generate billions of dollars in fuel savings for air carriers over the life of the system.
"Engaging industry players is the right approach. IATA will be an enthusiastic participant in Aireon's IAC to ensure that the offering is developed with the industry's needs being front and center," said Tony Tyler, IATA's Director General and CEO.
About Aireon LLC
Headquartered in McLean, Va., Aireon LLC is a joint venture between Iridium Communications Inc. (Nasdaq:IRDM) and NAV CANADA to provide air traffic management service providers with the capability to track aircraft anywhere in the world in near-real time, including the only coverage over oceanic, polar and remote regions. Aireon will harness the best of aviation surveillance advancements already underway and extend them globally in order to significantly improve the business of air operations through increased efficiency, expanded safety, worldwide integration and significant cost savings to airlines and ANSPs alike.
For more information about Aireon, visit: www.aireon.com.
