TAMPA, Fla. — Iridium Communications has completed its takeover of Aireon, bringing the aircraft-tracking venture fully in-house ahead of the satellite operator’s planned $8 billion sale to Rocket Lab.
McLean, Virginia-based Iridium said July 6 it had bought the remaining 61% of Aireon it did not already own from air navigation service providers in Canada, England, Denmark, Ireland and Italy.
Aireon, which has provided an aviation safety service since 2019 using Iridium satellites and the Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) signals aircraft broadcast, will continue to operate as a wholly owned subsidiary following the $367 million deal.
“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,” Iridium CEO Matt Desch said in a statement.
“Together, we will continue investing in the technologies and innovations that we believe will make aviation safer, more efficient, and more resilient for decades to come.”
This includes work on a space-based VHF system, which would use radio equipment already on aircraft to extend pilot-to-controller voice and data communications into oceanic and remote airspace.
While Rocket Lab has outlined its intention to use Iridium’s connectivity constellation, L-band spectrum and services to expand into new areas, the Long Beach, California-based satellite maker and launcher has not detailed specific plans for Aireon.
“We’re not just going to acquire this business,” Rocket Lab CEO Peter Beck said last week after announcing plans to buy Iridium.
“We are going to apply the Rocket Lab magic to it. We’re going to absorb it and optimize it and scale it into something really truly fantastic.”
Aireon CEO Don Thoma, who is remaining at the helm following the deal, said Rocket Lab sees the venture as key to the aviation growth strategy Iridium has been building around surveillance, communications and resilient positioning, navigation and timing services.
“Aireon has been, and continues to be, an important part of the Iridium journey and will be central to the continued growth strategy,” Thoma said in a June 29 email to employees.
“Rocket Lab recognized this, viewing Aireon as a key driver of the unique mission critical capabilities Iridium provides to the aviation industry — specifically to the opportunities unlocked through the acquisition of Aireon.”
Rocket Lab expects to close the acquisition of Iridium in mid-2027, subject to regulatory clearances and approval from the satellite operator’s shareholders.
