Iris will provide a safe and secure text-based data link between pilots and air traffic control (ATC) networks using satellite technology.
The programme is developed under a public-private partnership between ESA and Inmarsat, and will help relieve pressure on the aviation sector's congested radio frequency communication channels.
It will so as part of the European Commission’s Single European Sky ATM Research (SESAR) masterplan to modernise Europe's air traffic management.