Iridium purchases space-based ADS-B provider

Iridium, a founding partner in Aireon, previously owned 39 percent of the company and is acquiring the remaining 61 percent of equity interests for approximately $366.7 million. Aireon’s space-based ADS-B data relies on Iridium’s satellite constellation and provides tracking for an average of 190,000 flights per day. The network is used by major air navigation service providers including the agencies and entities that manage airspace and navigation in Canada, Denmark, Ireland, Italy, and the United Kingdom. Aireon also offers other surveillance and satellite services, including GPS jamming and spoofing detection.

“Bringing Aireon fully inside Iridium better positions us to build what’s needed to support the future of aviation,” Iridium CEO Matt Desch said in a press release.

The companies are also working to expand capabilities to include future space‑based radio (very high frequency) communications, which could allow aircraft to connect with air traffic control in oceanic and remote airspace where ground infrastructure does not exist, without the need for additional aircraft equipment.