ESSP SAS

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.

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

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

• Satellite CNS services
• Air traffic management
• Aviation connectivity
• Space-based communication
• ATM modernization

Headquarters

HQ city

Toulouse

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Infrastructure

Core 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

Named customers1 record

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.

• European Space Agency (ESA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 December 2025ESA 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.
• ViasatcoreTechnology or Integration · 10 December 2025Viasat 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 AirwaysflagshipTechnology or Integration · 10 December 2025ITA 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

Direct 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

• Xx.com/ESSPSAS
• Facebookfacebook.com/esspsas.eu
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/essp-sas

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about ESSP SAS