ESSP has officially announced the Entry into Service (EIS) of a new Iris Ground-Ground Router (Iris GGR) and associated network enhancements on the Iris Service Provider backbone (ISP). This is a key milestone in the Iris Programme, an initiative led by the European Space Agency (ESA) and powered by ESSP and Viasat.
The importance of Iris for the European airspace
European airspace continues to face increasing congestion due to the steady growth in air traffic, placing added pressure on existing communication infrastructures.
To address this challenge, the Iris Programme offers a vital enhancement by complementing VDLm2 with additional data link capacity.
By enabling secure, high-bandwidth satellite-based communications, Iris helps relieve pressure on traditional radio frequencies and supports the growing number of aircraft requiring data services. Airlines operating across the entire ECAC area can now benefit from this improved infrastructure, as Iris is fully operational and available, offering a robust and scalable solution to improve air traffic management performance and efficiency.
Following this upgrade, operational since the 26th of May, all Iris-equipped aircraft can now operate anywhere within the entire ECAC area without any restrictions. This means that airlines are fully able to take advantage of the Iris satellite-based communication network across the whole region, ensuring enhanced connectivity, reliability, and seamless communication for their operations.
In a nutshell, the following changes assure the seamless communication transition between both datalinks available:
- Communications between Iris-equipped aircraft and IWA (Iris Working Agreement) signatory ANSPs with An Iris Working Agreement (IWA) in force (IWA signatories) are automatically routed through Iris or VDLm2, based on air-ground link availability
- Communications with non-IWA Signatory ANSPs (i.e., only VDL ANSPs) are managed exclusively through VDLm2
The development and deployment of the Iris GGR followed a structured plan laid out in the Iris Service Implementation Roadmap (Issue 01-00, January 2024), culminating in a two-phase migration strategy executed throughout Q2 2025.
Phase 1 Dual Connectivity (Before 26 May 2025): Smooth Transition
In this phase the Iris Service was ensured for all IWA Signatory ANSPs during the migration period, being both old and new routers active, and allowing ANSPs to migrate at their own pace without service disruption.
Phase 2 (From 26 May 2025): Full Operational Upgrade
The new Iris GGR is fully implemented improving system performance for both IWA and non-IWA ANSPs.
The Iris Service Definition Document (SDD) version 02-00 is now in effect. This version provides updated technical specifications and operational guidelines reflecting the changes introduced with the new Iris GGR.
Key updates include:
- Routing behaviors for both IWA and non-IWA ANSPs.
- SATCOM and VDLm2 link priorities.
- Transition and cut-off technical guidance.
The document is available in the ESSP Iris website.
We are excited to announce that all airlines are now free to fly with Iris across the entire ECAC area. This milestone means that airlines can now take full advantage of the Iris satellite-based communication network, ensuring enhanced connectivity, reliability and seamless communication for flights within this region. This advancement is a key step in expanding Iris’ reach and solidifying its position as a trusted datalink solution for modern aviation needs.
This upgrade is part of ESSP’s broader commitment to enabling modern, satellite-enabled air traffic management across Europe and beyond.
Ongoing Support and Coordination
ESSP has coordinated the entire migration effort in close collaboration with both SITA and Viasat, ensuring all changes were implemented safely and effectively. Dedicated support was provided to each IWA Signatory ANSP, including:
- Tailored migration documentation
- Technical briefings and readiness assessments
- Cut-off date communications and fallback plans
For ANSPs who have not yet completed the migration, ESSP continues to provide active coordination to ensure they are fully integrated into the new Iris network environment.
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