European Operators Get EASA OK for ADS-B

Air France, Air One and Volkswagen became the world’s first airlines to obtain EASA approval to use automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) in airspace not covered by radar. The airlines are part of the 18 aircraft operators participating in Eurocontrol’s ADS-B Pioneer Airlines project. According to Eurocontrol, this EASA approval covers Airbus, Boeing and Dassault airframes and allows ADS-B messages broadcast via 1090 MHz Extended Squitter to be used as the sole surveillance source for an air traffic control service. “Approval by EASA of ADS-B use in European airspace is a major step forward and will create opportunities for fuel and emission savings, whilst enhancing safety levels,” said Alex Wandels, manager of Eurocontrol’s CASCADE program. “Following the approval from EASA, we know that the airlines are eager to begin using ADS-B in their daily operations, in addition to participating in trials.”