On 24 July at the Farnborough International Airshow in the UK, ESA signed a Memorandum of Intent (MoI) with the Seamless Air Alliance (SAA).
The agreement, signed by Laurent Jaffart, ESA Director of Connectivity and Secure Communications, and Jack Mandala, CEO of SAA, marks a significant step towards integrating satellite and terrestrial networks while highlighting ESA's role in adopting space-enabled technologies across global mobility sectors, including aviation.
The goal of SAA is to accelerate the introduction of technologies on board airplanes which enable passengers to seamlessly use connected devices (such as smart phones, laptops and IoT devices) whilst in the air. This mission aligns with ESA’s Space for 5G/6G and Sustainable Connectivity, a strategic programme line that forms part of the Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) programme.
Both organisations will collaborate through its focus on stakeholder management, innovation in 5G/6G networks, and the seamless integration of satellite and terrestrial technologies. The partnership aims to advance network capabilities, providing passengers with better connectivity in the air and enhancing the customer experience on a global level.
ESA joins SAA’s global membership, including companies such as SES, Eutelsat OneWeb, Airbus and the world’s most-important companies in aviation and communications including airlines, satellite and mobile service providers, airframe manufacturers and technology suppliers. This membership enhances the agency’s ability to demonstrate the impact of space-enabled technologies in the aviation sector. Through sharing knowledge, leveraging resources and collaborating closely, the partnership will drive a more connected future for businesses and citizens on Earth.
“Joining the Seamless Air Alliance is a proud moment for ESA. It enables us to share the impact that space-based connectivity can have on Earth and in the air,” said Laurent Jaffart, ESA Director of Connectivity and Secure Communications. “The SAA provides a unique platform for us to continue our engagement with the aviation industry and learn from its members and contribute to its global reach.”
“Merging advanced broadband connectivity from space with the scale and innovation driven by terrestrial networks will culminate in quality communications that are truly ubiquitous. We are thrilled to join forces with the European Space Agency to accelerate this vision into reality,” said Jack Mandala, CEO of the Seamless Air Alliance.
“Bringing together ESA and the Seamless Air Alliance offers a great opportunity to deliver further benefits of 5G/6G technologies to the aviation industry and its customers,” said Antonio Franchi, Head of ESA’s Space for 5G/6G and Sustainable Connectivity programme. “We look forward to collaborating on seamless connectivity between terrestrial and non-terrestrial satellite networks, enhancing passengers’ experience in the air through space technologies.”
The Space for 5G/6G programme line works with industry, academia and ESA Member States to showcase and deliver hybrid terrestrial networks and non-terrestrial networks for 5G and 6G. The programme works to set the standardisation, development and deployment roadmaps to enable natively integrated and interoperable terrestrial networks and non-terrestrial networks in 5G/6G.
