ITA Airways has joined forces with the European Space Agency (ESA) in an effort to optimize flight planning and operations. Through the partnership, ITA can take advantage of ESA's unique technology, which allows pilots to connect digitally with Air Traffic Control (ATC). The ESA assures the airline and the public that this will make aviation safer and more efficient as it will greatly improve communication and coordination between ATC and pilots. This will, in turn, reduce the number of flight delays and communication errors, optimizing air travel.

Implementing space-aged technology

The new technology that ITA Airways will use is the ESA-backed Iris technology from Inmarsat. Iris uses satellite communication to relay information from the aircraft and pilots to ATC and vice versa. It does so using secure, fast, high-bandwidth communication links. While pilots already use GPS navigation for most airline flights, most do not use it to communicate with ATC.

By using this technology, flights can be optimized as ATC can better monitor and direct air traffic. This will make flights more efficient by reducing the chances of planes being put in a holding pattern, time spent awaiting a takeoff or landing clearance, and any extra time ATC spends redirecting air traffic.

ITA Airways Airbus A320
Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying

By enabling ATC to monitor and coordinate traffic more effectively, Iris will likely help reduce the number of runway incursions. These have been on the rise in recent months as air traffic has increased globally, adding to the workload for controllers. The Iris technology hopes to alleviate some of this stress and allow pilots and ATC to stay ahead of complicated situations.

ITA Airways will be joining four airlines that have already implemented Iris technology - easyJet, Transavia Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, and Jet2. ATC operations in 14 European countries utilize Iris services, meaning that ITA will be able to use this technology on many of its routes.

The Senior Vice President of Aircraft Operations and Safety at Inmarsat, Joel Klooster, shared the organization's excitement concerning the addition of ITA Airways to the network of air carriers utilizing Iris technology. Klooster stated,

"We are delighted to welcome ITA Airways as the second airline to join Iris, coming only months after easyJet was announced as the first airline. This shows the impressive momentum that continues to build around the programme as it heads towards commercial service introduction in Europe this year, followed by a full global rollout. Iris will mark a transformational step-change in air traffic management, delivering operational and environment benefits for airlines and the aviation industry as a whole, while also enhancing the flight experience for passengers."

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Reducing carbon emissions

By enhancing flight efficiency, the ESA anticipates that Iris technology will significantly help reduce the airline's carbon emissions. It is believed that with improved ATC management, the airline's carbon emissions could be cut by 10%.

ITA Airways Airbus A350
Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying

The Head of Camo Operations at ITA Airways, Alessio Leone, stated the following concerning the implementation of Iris technology and the anticipated reduction in carbon emissions,

"We are proud to join the Iris programme, which is fully in line with our growth strategy as it reflects two of the core pillars of ITA Airways: sustainability and innovation. ITA Airways is the first full-service carrier in Europe with a new fleet fully equipped with this cutting-edge technology by Inmarsat Aviation, delivering operational and environmental benefits."

What do you think of ITA adopting Iris technology? Let us know in the comments below.

  • ITA Airways Airbus A330 in sky
    ITA Airways
    IATA/ICAO Code:
    AZ/ITY
    Airline Type:
    Full Service Carrier
    Hub(s):
    Rome Fiumicino Airport
    Year Founded:
    2020
    Alliance:
    SkyTeam
    CEO:
    Fabio Lazzerini
    Country:
    Italy