Iridium closes deal to expand air traffic network

Iridium has closed its acquisition of Aireon to add space-based air traffic surveillance and aviation intelligence services capabilities into the portfolio.

Financial terms of the deal, first announced in May, were not disclosed.

Aireon will operate as a subsidiary focused on delivering air traffic surveillance and aviation data services. Don Thoma will continue to serve as Aireon’s CEO and report to Iridium’s CEO Matt Desch.

“What began as a bold vision more than a decade ago has become a foundational capability for global air traffic management, delivering real-time surveillance and operational intelligence on a truly global scale,” Desch said in a release Monday.

The combination will combine Aireon’s offerings with Iridium’s global satellite communications network and resilient positioning, navigation and timing services. Iridium wants to build a platform to deliver real-time visibility, trusted connectivity, and operational data.

“As airspace grows more complex and increasingly dependent on resilient infrastructure, Iridium is positioned to provide the critical services that help improve safety, efficiency and operational decision-making on a global scale,” Iridium said in its announcement.

The deal involving Aerion comes as Iridium embarks on its own transition. Last week, Rocket Lab announced it agreed to acquire Iridium in an $8 billion cash-and-stock transaction.