Changing Air Traffic Management: From the pioneers of aviation to satellite innovation

The Wright Brothers at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, 1903. Source: National Air and Space Museum

From the Wright brothers' first controlled flight on 17 December 1903 to today’s busy skies, the evolution of air travel is marked by monumental advances in technology and safety. As the number of flights has surged and our world continues to become more connected, so too does the demand for effective air traffic management (ATM) systems.

At Skykraft, our mission is to use our satellite technology to play a key role in the next chapter in air traffic management - making air travel safer, more efficient and more reliable.

Air traffic management through the ages

In the early days air travel was mostly local and pilots had limited guidance beyond simple radio communication and landmarks. As flight paths expanded, especially with the introduction of transatlantic flights, managing traffic safely became essential. Ground-based radar provided air traffic controllers with a way to monitor planes in controlled airspaces and direct them safely along designated paths. However, these traditional radar systems have inherent accessibility and infrastructure limitations. This leaves vast areas over oceans, mountains, and remote regions unmonitored where construction and access isn’t possible.

The disappearance of flights, often over remote oceanic regions, exposes these vulnerabilities and can result in search efforts that span millions of square kilometres.

A crowded sky highlights the importance of reliable Air Traffic Management

In 2024 the sheer volume of air traffic is at an all-time high. According to the Airports Council International (ACI), the current projection for 2024 estimates global passenger volume at approximately 9.5 billion, representing 104% of the 2019 level and a 10% year-on-year growth from 2023. With more aircraft sharing the skies, precise and reliable ATM is critical to ensure that safety is maintained and the airspace is managed efficiently.

Skykraft’s space-based solution: Real-time global monitoring

Since our establishment in 2017 Skykraft has been at the forefront of solving these challenges by using a constellation of satellites in low Earth orbit to provide uninterrupted air traffic surveillance. Unlike ground-based radar and communication systems, Skykraft’s satellite network can offer full global coverage, including over oceans and remote regions previously beyond reach. By 2027, this space-enabled technology aims to ensure that every aircraft remains visible to, and talk to air traffic controllers throughout its journey.

Our satellite-based ATM system bridges the critical gaps left by traditional methods, offering an invaluable service to long-haul flights traversing remote areas. By enabling real-time position updates and direct controller to pilot communications, remote airspace can be managed more efficiently and safely allowing aircraft to fly their optimum route which reduces fuel burn and CO2 emissions.

As air travel continues to bring communities across the globe closer together, dependable air traffic management has become a necessity. Skykraft’s technology can not only ensure precise real-time tracking to optimise flight paths, but also enhance safety by providing continuous communications in remote regions. We believe this is critical infrastructure for safe, efficient, and reliable air travel worldwide.

At Skykraft our mission is to redefine air traffic management and challenge the status quo. Through satellite-enabled, round-the-clock coverage, we’re leading the transformation of global ATM to create a safer and more efficient future for aviation.