Skykraft and Niusky Pacific Sign Collaboration Agreement to Improve Air Traffic Management in Papua New Guinea
Skykraft, a leading provider of space-enabled air traffic management (ATM) services, has signed a collaboration agreement with Niusky Pacific, a subsidiary of Niusky Group, to develop and implement operational procedures for a space-enabled ATM system over Papua New Guinea’s domestic and oceanic flight information region (FIR). This agreement marks a significant milestone in the advancement of technology in the aviation sector and will bring numerous benefits to the challenging airspace of Papua New Guinea.
Under the agreement, Skykraft’s space-enabled ATM services will be leveraged to enhance safety and operational efficiency in Papua New Guinea’s airspace. This collaboration will also support the growth of the aviation sector in the country.
Graham Blythe, Managing Director of Niusky Pacific, said, “Skykraft’s space-enabled ATM services will significantly enhance safety and efficiency throughout Papua New Guinea’s airspace and ultimately support the growth of the aviation sector. We are excited to collaborate with Skykraft in this transformative endeavor.”
Niusky Pacific will greatly benefit from Skykraft’s services, particularly in its oceanic sector and domestic airspace over rugged and remote terrain. The ability to communicate with and track aircraft across the entire FIR will enhance operational safety and achieve significant efficiencies, eliminating the need to install and maintain ground-based air traffic management infrastructure in remote and inhospitable areas.
Dr. Michael Frater, CEO of Skykraft, said, “Skykraft is excited to collaborate with Niusky Pacific and are confident that our space-enabled ATM services will deliver real improvements to the management of Papua New Guinea’s airspace. Our ATM services will be available for testing in 2025 and operational service in 2026, providing significant benefits to oceanic and remote regions and improving performance in the world’s most congested airspace.”
Skykraft’s services will complement existing ground-based radio systems, enabling seamless real-time communications between pilots and air traffic controllers through voice and data radio communications in the VHF band. The company’s VHF communications service is further enhanced by a surveillance service that utilizes ADS-B position broadcasts from aircraft, providing air traffic controllers with real-time data on aircraft positions.
Skykraft’s ATM System, which is set to enter service in 2025, is a part of the company’s large constellation of satellites in low-earth orbit. This constellation will provide global air traffic management services from space, including VHF voice and data communications, surveillance services, and multi-lateration services.
About Skykraft
Skykraft is a leading provider of space-enabled air traffic management (ATM) services, serving the global market for air traffic surveillance and communications, especially over remote and oceanic regions. Headquartered in Australia, the company uses a small satellite approach and dedicated ATM infrastructure to deliver services to air navigation service providers (ANSPs) worldwide.
Skykraft’s ATM System provides an essential service to the international aviation sector and will reset the performance and safety expectations globally for space-enabled ATM.
Media Contact
Iwan Morris
Email: iwan.morris@skykraft.com.au
Phone: +61 (0)408 137956.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.