Airspace Data has secured a patent for its airspace sharing technology that the company says is a “gamechanger” for how the US department of defence (DoD) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) coordinate airspace.
The technology allows for real-time coordination between military installations and FAA air traffic control facilities. Through automation, Airspace Data said the system will shorten flights, cut fuel, and other operating costs for the industry — estimating an annual reduction of $1bn for airlines. Additionally, the technology reduces FAA workload and is expected to help the military gain more precise and expedited access to airspace to meet evolving readiness needs.
“Right now, the system relies on manual phone calls to manage access — slow, outdated, and inefficient,” said Airspace Data cofounder and CEO Justin Oberman. “We built tech that automates this process in real-time, reducing delays, saving airlines up to $1bn annually, and giving the military faster, more precise access to the airspace they need.”
The company conducted an extended test with Southwest Airlines and Delta Air Lines on three test routes. The airlines flew 4,700 flights using Airspace Data's technology where each flight was 2-3 minutes shorter than typical flight paths. Overall fuel savings exceeded 120,000 gallons while also materially reducing FAA controller workload, the company said.
“With the FAA pushing modernization and the [US Department of Defence] DoD strengthening homeland security, this is the right solution at the right time,” added Oberman.
With its patent secured, Airspace Data will begin expanding later this year, scaling up to more than 100 military and FAA facilities in the country.