The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) and Aireon LLC today announced a strategic collaboration to deploy Aireon’s space-based Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) data for air traffic surveillance across the oceanic sector of the Kuala Lumpur Flight Information Region (FIR).

This initiative marks a major milestone in strengthening Malaysia’s air traffic management capabilities and enhancing operational safety and efficiency across one of the world’s busiest international air corridors.

Aireon, in partnership with its local partner ClearWisdom, signed the agreement at this week’s Airspace Asia Pacific event in Hong Kong. The agreement includes Aireon’s EASA-certified space-based ADS-B data covering the oceanic service volume of the Kuala Lumpur FIR West Region. This includes a substantial portion of the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea, a critical corridor for flights connecting Asia and the Middle East.

Malaysia plays a pivotal role in the safe management of this region, surrounded by Jakarta FIR (Indonesia) to the south, Chennai FIR (India) to the west, and Singapore FIR to the east. Several regional air navigation service providers (ANSPs) including the Airports Authority of India and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines have already adopted Aireon’s data services, contributing to greater interoperability and regional cooperation.

“Thank you to CAAM for entrusting Aireon to bring space-based ADS-B data to Malaysia,” said Peter Cabooter, Aireon Executive Vice President of Customer Affairs. “Air traffic in the region is poised to grow strongly in the coming years, and Malaysia is responding strongly by investing in safety for the airspace.”

“The implementation of Aireon’s space-based ADS-B service represents a key milestone in strengthening Malaysia’s air traffic surveillance capabilities, particularly over the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea. This enhancement will support safer, more efficient airspace operations and aligns with CAAM’s continuous efforts to modernize Malaysia’s air traffic management system and advance regional collaboration,” said Dato’ Captain Norazman Bin Mahmud, CEO of CAAM.

The integration of space-based ADS-B forms part of CAAM’s long-term plan to modernise surveillance infrastructure and improve situational awareness in remote and oceanic airspace where ground-based radar is limited. This collaboration will support Malaysia’s commitments under ICAO’s Global Air Navigation Plan (GANP), enabling enhanced safety, reduced separation standards, more efficient routing, and improved environmental outcomes.

About Aireon LLC

Aireon has deployed a space-based air traffic surveillance system for Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) equipped aircraft throughout the entire globe. Aireon is harnessing next-generation aviation surveillance technologies that were formerly ground-based and, for the first time ever, is extending their reach globally to significantly improve efficiency, enhance safety, reduce emissions, and provide cost savings benefits to all stakeholders. Space-based ADS-B surveillance covers oceanic, polar, and remote regions, and augments existing ground-based systems that are limited to terrestrial airspace. In partnership with leading ANSPs from around the world, like NAV CANADA, AirNav Ireland, ENAV, NATS and Naviair, as well as Iridium Communications, Aireon is providing a global, real-time, space-based air traffic surveillance system, available to all aviation stakeholders. For more information, please visit www.aireon.com.

About Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia

The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) is the national aviation regulator, entrusted with ensuring the safety, security and efficiency of Malaysia’s civil aviation sector. CAAM provides comprehensive safety and security oversight of flight operations, aviation personnel licensing, and is responsible for the provision of air navigation services and air traffic management across Malaysian airspace. Operating in accordance with international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), CAAM is committed to fostering a safe, sustainable, and forward-looking aviation ecosystem through regulatory excellence, innovation, and strategic collaboration.

Featured image credited to Aireon