CGI (NYSE: GIB) (TSX: GIB.A) has been awarded a contract by Inmarsat to support the second phase of its Iris air traffic modernization program with the European Space Agency (ESA), Iris is being developed to deliver powerful benefits to European aviation by enabling high bandwidth, cost-effective satellite-based datalink communications across Europe. This service will include flight trials across locations across Europe.
The program contributes to the delivery of the ‘Single European Sky’ (SESAR), which focuses on modernizing air traffic management and air navigation efficiency. Satellite communications reduce the pressure on ground-based frequencies and Iris is also an important contributor to reducing the environmental impact of aviation and meeting CO2 emissions goals.
As part of the program’s second phase around 20 aircraft flying commercially once normal traffic levels start to resume, will trial Iris, allowing it to be assessed in a real operational environment. CGI will continue to support the specializzded security gateway developed as part of its first phase contract and further enhance routing between existing radio communications and Iris technology, operating on Inmarsat’s satcom network. Also in this phase, CGI will design the full operational capability, which includes developing the Iris system to support Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems or drones. CGI will also
Antonio Garutti, Head of Telecommunication Systems Project Office at ESA, said: “Iris is making great progress towards deployment maturity, which in turn will move us closer to commercial availability. ESA is very proud to continuously contribute to the evolution of this process and to the digitalization of our skies, which we hope will lead to a greener environment, a better passenger experience, and a more competitive European economy. This is only possible thanks to the contribution of important industrial partners, like CGI and Inmarsat, who are demonstrating continuous effort and valuable competencies, making Iris one of the most prominent datalink solutions for the future of aviation.”
Jerome Soumagne, Vice President of Networks at Inmarsat, said: “Flying the Iris technology marks a key milestone for this important program and brings us closer to the realization of modernized air traffic management across Europe. We are pleased to partner with key technology providers such as CGI to deliver this ground-breaking, secure and reliable data link, which will enable more efficient and environmentally friendly flights.”
Emily Gravestock, Head of Applications Strategy at the UK Space Agency, said: “Iris is a great example of the potential for satellite applications to bring real benefits to industry and people’s lives, by cutting carbon emissions and modernising air traffic management. The UK is the leading investor in ESA’s telecommunications and applications program, which supports our growing space sector and world-class companies like CGI and Inmarsat.”
Shaun Stretton, Vice President of Satcoms and Space Data Platforms at CGI, said: “This is a significant step for the Iris program towards transforming aircraft communications across Europe. We have a long history of developing secure and safety-critical software systems for satellite communications and are delighted to support Inmarsat and the European Space Agency as we move towards operational flight trials.”
CGI has been one of the main partners in the Iris program since its inception in 2014, and has led the safety systems design and key parts of the integration and IT security. CGI was selected by Inmarsat to develop key Iris safety and security features that are required for future European air traffic management communications. CGI has developed ground-based gateways that will enable Inmarsat’s SwiftBroadband-Safety (SB-S), which is the platform for Iris, to interface with the European ATM Network and incorporate security measures to protect the over-the-air communications link from cyber-attack.
