ESSP SAS
ESSP SAS, a Toulouse-based private firm founded in 2009, provisions space-based Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance (CNS) services for aviation, deploying the European Space Agency's Iris satellite air traffic management technology to airlines across Europe.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2009
- HeadquartersToulouse, France
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What ESSP SAS does
ESSP SAS is a French private company headquartered in Toulouse, founded in 2009, that delivers space-based Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance (CNS) services for the aviation sector. The firm's stated role is to provision satellite-based CNS services and to promote deployment of associated infrastructure across Europe.
The company's core offering centers on Iris technology, a next-generation satellite-based communication system for air traffic management developed through the European Space Agency's Iris programme and implemented by Viasat. Iris is designed to improve operational efficiency and sustainability in flight operations and to support the broader modernization of Europe's air traffic management infrastructure. The product is currently deployed on four Airbus A320neo aircraft operated by ITA Airways, representing the first commercial implementation of the programme's technology.
ESSP operates as a regulated, programme-aligned service provider within a tightly structured European aviation ecosystem. Its go-to-market runs through strategic co-development with ESA, technology and integration partnerships with satellite operators such as Viasat, and direct enterprise engagements with airline operators. Revenue mechanics are not publicly disclosed; the company's public posture emphasizes infrastructure deployment and service enablement rather than direct retail or subscription pricing. The firm's enterprise-grade IT perimeter (visible via its GlobalProtect VPN portal) supports internal operations rather than constituting a commercial product.
ESSP SAS firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- ESSP SAS
- Legal name
- ESSP SAS
- Website
- https://essp-sas.eu
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2009
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- ESSP SAS, a Toulouse-based private firm founded in 2009, provisions space-based Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance (CNS) services for aviation, deploying the European Space Agency's Iris satellite air traffic management technology to airlines across Europe.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
ESSP SAS industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Air Traffic Management Services
- NAICS
- Satellite Telecommunications (51741), Air Traffic Control (488111)
- SIC
- Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Satellite, GNSS & Positioning RF ICs (HDAHAMAJ)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Security Operations Center (SOC) / Airport Security Command & Control (BPAKAMAG), Inertial Navigation Systems (INS/IMU) (IMABAFAB)
Keywords
Where ESSP SAS is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Toulouse
- HQ country
- France
- HQ region
- Europe
Markets served
ESSP SAS business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Infrastructure
ESSP SAS product offering
Product offeringCore offering
ESSP SAS provides space-based Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance (CNS) services for the aviation sector, promoting and executing the deployment of the European Space Agency's (ESA) Iris satellite-based communication technology. The Iris technology, implemented on commercial aircraft by Viasat, is intended to modernize air traffic management, improve airline operational efficiency, and reduce aviation emissions across Europe.
Product overview
ESSP SAS provides the GlobalProtect Portal as its primary product offering. The GlobalProtect Portal serves as the secure gateway for user authentication and access management, allowing remote users to establish VPN connections to organizational networks.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Space-based CNS Services (ESSP Iris Deployment) Provision and deployment of space-based Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance (CNS) services for the aviation industry, centered on the ESA Iris satellite-based communication technology. The service is targeted at commercial airlines seeking to modernize air traffic management, improve operational efficiency, and reduce emissions in flight operations across Europe.
Quantifiable outcome
- Technology deployed on four Airbus A320neo aircraft for ITA Airways
Companies that use ESSP SAS
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments1 record
Ideal customer profiles1 record
ESSP SAS technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature1 record
ESSP SAS partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Three partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.
- European Space Agency (ESA)coreESA developed and oversees the Iris programme for next-generation air traffic management technology. ESSP SAS is involved in the implementation of this satellite-based communication technology designed to modernize aviation connectivity across Europe.
- ViasatcoreViasat is the implementation partner for Iris technology on airline flights. The company deploys the ESA-developed Iris satellite communication system for airlines including ITA Airways to enable improved operational efficiency and sustainability.
- ITA AirwaysflagshipITA Airways is the launch airline customer adopting Iris technology. The technology is being initially deployed on four Airbus A320neo aircraft to improve operational efficiency and sustainability, representing the first commercial implementation of this ESA Iris programme technology.
Recent moves4 records
Expansion highlights4 records
ESSP SAS competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Viasat: Viasat is the implementation partner for Iris and a leading provider of satellite communications for aviation, including in-flight connectivity and cockpit safety services. Directly comparable as a satcom CNS provider serving commercial airlines, and the most immediate operational peer for ESSP given the partnership.
- Frequentis: Frequentis supplies mission-critical control centre and air traffic management solutions, including voice communication and surveillance systems. Comparable as a European specialist ATM/CNS vendor serving the same airspace modernization customers.
- Inmarsat: Inmarsat (now part of Viasat) is a major provider of satellite communications for aviation, maritime, and government. Directly comparable for aviation safety services, cockpit communications, and CNS infrastructure — a primary competitor/alternative in the satellite CNS space.
- Indra Sistemas: Indra is a leading provider of air traffic management systems and CNS infrastructure, with deployments across European and Latin American airspace. Directly comparable as a specialist ATM/CNS systems integrator targeting the same modernization mandates as ESSP.
Emerging players
- Iridium Communications: Iridium provides satellite communications including aviation safety services (CPDLC/ADS-C) through partnerships with aviation integrators. Comparable as an alternative satellite-based CNS provider for cockpit and operational communications.
Broad incumbents
- Leonardo S.p.A. Leonardo provides ATM systems, avionics, and satellite-based CNS infrastructure across European and global markets. Comparable as a diversified aerospace/ATM incumbent addressing similar European aviation modernization mandates.
- Thales Group: Thales is a global aerospace and ATM incumbent providing avionics, air traffic management systems, and satellite-based CNS infrastructure across Europe. Comparable as a much larger, diversified supplier of ATM and avionics technology serving the same European aviation modernization programmes.
- Honeywell Aerospace: Honeywell provides avionics, cockpit connectivity, and ATM-adjacent systems for commercial aviation globally. Comparable as a large-scale cockpit and ATM-adjacent technology supplier, particularly relevant for satellite CNS adoption on commercial fleets.
- Northrop Grumman: Northrop Grumman provides defense avionics, navigation, and ATM-related systems globally. Comparable as a large incumbent with overlapping capability in navigation, surveillance, and CNS-adjacent avionics.
- Saab AB: Saab's air traffic management and surveillance solutions (Saab Digital Air Traffic Solutions) serve civil and military aviation customers. Comparable as a broader European aerospace/ATM incumbent with overlapping CNS capability.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights5 records
Customer concentration
ESSP SAS social profiles
Digital presenceESSP SAS financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
ESSP SAS leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
ESSP SAS funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
ESSP SAS M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about ESSP SAS
What does ESSP SAS do?
ESSP SAS provides space-based Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance (CNS) services for the aviation sector, promoting and executing the deployment of the European Space Agency's (ESA) Iris satellite-based communication technology. The Iris technology, implemented on commercial aircraft by Viasat, is intended to modernize air traffic management, improve airline operational efficiency, and reduce aviation emissions across Europe.
Is ESSP SAS a public or private company?
ESSP SAS is a private company. It is classified as unknown and is currently operating.
When was ESSP SAS founded?
ESSP SAS was founded in 2009. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is ESSP SAS based?
ESSP SAS is headquartered in Toulouse, France, in the Europe region.
Who are ESSP SAS's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Viasat, Frequentis, Inmarsat and Indra Sistemas. Iridium Communications is listed as an emerging player. Broad incumbents are Leonardo S.p.A., Thales Group, Honeywell Aerospace, Northrop Grumman and Saab AB.
Does ESSP SAS have an API?
No public API is recorded for ESSP SAS.
What industry is ESSP SAS in?
ESSP SAS's product category is Air Traffic Management Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDAHAMAJ, Satellite, GNSS & Positioning RF ICs, with a secondary code of BPAKAMAG, Security Operations Center (SOC) / Airport Security Command & Control. Its NAICS code is 51741 and its SIC code is 3812.