Startical achieves first-ever VHF voice communication between pilot and air traffic controller via satellite

16/06/2025

Aviation history has been made: Startical, the company founded by ENAIRE and Indra to provide communication and surveillance services from space, has successfully completed the first ever real-time voice communication between a pilot and an air traffic controller using VHF signals transmitted via satellite. The breakthrough was achieved using IOD-1, Startical’s first In-Orbit Demonstrator satellite, launched in March 2025 as part of the European-funded ECHOES project.

The first conversation took place during a functional test with actual traffic over the Atlantic Ocean, in which a pilot held a conversation with the controller based at ENAIRE’s Area Control Centre in Gran Canaria (Canary Islands) following standard procedures. Several tests have been successfully carried out, including the participation of different airlines such as Iberia, Air Europa and TAP Air Portugal, proving the robustness of the system. “This is a first in aviation and opens a world of possibilities for safer, more connected skies. Importantly, aircraft require no new equipment, and neither pilots nor controllers need additional training,” said Juan Enrique González Laguna, General Manager of Startical.

The test confirmed successful integration with ground-based systems and included precise and real time coordination between Startical’s satellite operations center in Madrid, Indra’s and ENAIRE’s technical teams, air traffic controllers in the Canary Islands, and participating pilots.

Read more

Voice Europe