Extended communications over oceans supported by satellites

Once an aircraft is about 350 kilometres removed from the coast and flying over the ocean, it no longer appears on ground-based radars. To monitor and stay in touch with these flights, controllers need to rely on high frequency radio and data link communications through which aircraft can also report their position. Although global navigation satellite systems and space-based automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast are already being used in some parts of the world, satellite-based technologies for communication is uncommon, which limits airspace capacity and flight efficiency. 

The ECHOES project aims to demonstrate the feasibility of space-based solutions for very high frequency communications through voice and datalink. Combined with space-based automatic dependent surveillance broadcast, the project will greatly contribute to making air traffic management safer, more cost efficient, increase its capacity and reduce environmental impact. ECHOES is focusing on oceanic areas, but it could also serve continental areas, if necessary. 

ECHOES is one of the Digital Sky Demonstrators funded under the Connecting Europe Facility Transport. Digital Sky Demonstrators are projects that take place in live operational and cross-border environments, demonstrating services, technologies and standards necessary to deliver the Digital European sky. ECHOES is facilitating the launch of two satellites deploying specific technology to enable the achievement of its objectives. The first satellite launched successfully on 15 March 2025 and the second launch is planned for June 2025.

The main benefits of ECHOES for industry and citizens in Europe include:

• Increased efficiency by reducing separation between aircraft;
• Flying more efficient routes and increased punctuality of flights;
• Reinforced safety by permanently monitoring every flight and connecting aircraft;
• Reduced CO2 footprint by enabling more efficient routes and increasing the predictability of flights;
• Flexible route planning by allowing pilots to fly preferred and more flexible efficient routes;
• Readiness by maintaining services in existing installations, avionics or procedures for air traffic controllers and pilots;
• Standardisation of this type of technology.

The CEF Transport programme supports the development, manufacturing and launch of the two satellites in a low earth orbit as well as for the testing of the deployed technologies and services.  

About CEF Transport

CEF Transport is the key EU funding instrument for the development of high performing, sustainable and interconnected networks, with a focus on the development and modernisation of the TEN-T network. Since 2014, CEF has supported 1,666 projects worth almost €44 billion in the Transport sector.