Aireon has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Azimut and Infocom-Avia to assess the benefits of implementing a space-based Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) in Russian Federation airspace.

The companies will evaluate how the space-based ADS-B will enhance air traffic management, monitoring, and airline and airport operations.

Azimut provides navigation, landing, radio communication, surveillance and air traffic management automation to the State Air Traffic Management of the Russian Federation, the air navigation service provider (ANSP) of Russia and international markets.

"The MOA with Azimut and Infocom-Avia positions space-based ADS-B to potentially be used in one of the largest airspaces in the world."

Infocom-Avia serves as the designated operator of aviation information services in Russia.

Aireon Aviation Services vice-president Cyriel Kronenburg said: "This is an extremely important step for Aireon.

"The Russian Federation’s airspace spans over 26 million km² and accounts for over 12.5% of the world with over 1.4 million flights per year.

"The MOA with Azimut and Infocom-Avia positions space-based ADS-B to potentially be used in one of the largest airspaces in the world.

"With Russia’s remote, polar and oceanic areas, Aireon is the logical next step in air traffic surveillance for this vast region."

In 2018, Aireon’s space-based ADS-B service will become operational after the completion of the Iridium NEXT constellation.