Navicom Aviation Corporation

What Navicom Aviation Corporation does

Navicom Aviation Corporation (ナビコムアビエーション株式会社) is a privately held Japanese company founded April 6, 2006, and headquartered in Iidabashi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo. The firm specializes in integrated Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance (CNS) solutions for aviation, with a primary focus on Japanese government rotary-wing aircraft, commercial helicopter operators, and emerging unmanned aerial system (UAS) operators. It holds JCAB Certified Business designation No. 205 and has accumulated approximately 20 years of operating history serving public-sector and commercial aviation customers.

The company's portfolio combines proprietary in-house products with exclusive Japanese distribution rights for multiple foreign aviation electronics brands. Proprietary offerings include the NMS-01S-2N map information display device, the NVTS-02S aircraft-mounted video transmission device, and the IMS-WEB+ real-time flight tracking platform — each backed by JCAB equipment type approvals. Navicom is the exclusive Japanese distributor for SKYTRAC Systems' Iridium Certus satellite communication products and serves as Japan's sole Iridium Certus service provider in the aviation sector, having obtained Japan's first Iridium NEXT aircraft earth station license in December 2024. It also distributes FreeFlight Systems GPS, Avidyne collision avoidance systems, Gogo and Latitude Iridium terminals, AirFi in-flight entertainment, and Elsight Halo UAV communications.

The business operates on a sales-led, long-cycle enterprise go-to-market engaging directly with central government ministries, local governments, aircraft manufacturers, and operators. Revenue is generated through a mix of proprietary and third-party hardware sales, recurring Iridium satellite communication subscriptions, software licensing, ongoing repair and maintenance services, a registered telecommunications carrier operation (since October 2015), and a dispatch (temp staffing) line. The company has delivered over 200 Iridium-equipped aircraft in Japan and is exploring geographic expansion into Taiwan and Brunei via regional partnerships.

Name

Navicom Aviation Corporation

Legal name

ナビコムアビエーション株式会社

Website

https://n-aviation.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2006

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Navicom Aviation Corporation is a Tokyo-based aviation electronics firm providing integrated Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance (CNS) solutions to Japanese government helicopter operators, commercial aviation, and UAV operators through proprietary products and exclusive third-party distribution agreements.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Aviation Communication Equipment

NAICS

Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511), Satellite Telecommunications (517410), Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance (811210)

SIC

Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Aircraft Parts & Auxiliary Equipment, Nec (3728)

akta.pro primary industry

Avionics Communication Systems (VHF/UHF/SATCOM/Data Link) (IMABAFAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

UAS Communications, Datalinks, SATCOM & Remote Control Systems (IMABAIAJ), Private Aviation Connectivity & Onboard Cabin Technology Services (THABAFAO), Avionics Software, Certification & Safety-Critical Systems (DO-178/DO-254) (IMABAFAK)

Keywords

• Aviation communication systems
• Satellite communication services
• Flight tracking software
• Aircraft earth station licensing
• Avionics distribution

Headquarters

HQ city

Tokio

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Satellite Communication Services: Provision of Iridium satellite communication services including voice calling, PTT, Certus IP data, and Short Burst Data. The company is a registered telecommunications operator (registered October 2015) and the only Iridium Certus service provider in Japan's aviation sector.
2. Aviation Electronics Equipment Sales: Manufacturing and sales of proprietary products (NMS-01S map display device) and distribution of third-party aviation electronics including GPS receivers (FreeFlight Systems), collision avoidance systems (Avidyne), and Iridium satellite phones (Gogo, Latitude). One-time hardware sales with ongoing service contracts.
3. Software Development and Licensing: Development and sales of flight tracking management software (IMS-WEB+) and other software solutions. Includes proprietary software development and licensing.
4. Repair and Maintenance Services: Ongoing repair services for designated products including satellite communication equipment and aviation electronics. Repair support for major product lines including Skytrac, Iridium, and FreeFlight Systems products.
5. Satellite Communication Dispatch/Temp Staffing: Dispatch (temp staffing) business as part of registered dispatch operations (派遣事業).

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

Navicom Aviation provides integrated Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance (CNS) solutions for aviation customers, centered on Iridium-based satellite communication systems (voice, PTT, Certus IP data), proprietary flight tracking and map display hardware/software (IMS-WEB+, NMS-01S-2N, NVTS-02S), and UAV/drone communication platforms. The company manufactures its own JCAB-approved aviation electronics and serves as Japan's exclusive Iridium Certus aviation service provider and distributor for SKYTRAC, Avidyne, FreeFlight, AirFi, and Gogo products.

Product overview

Navicom Aviation Corporation provides aviation communication, navigation, and surveillance (CNS) solutions based on approximately 20 years of experience serving government rotary-wing aircraft and commercial aviation. The product portfolio centers on satellite communication systems (Iridium-based SDL-350, NCS-C100S, IC-SAT100, Extreme PTT, IridiumGO!), real-time flight tracking (IMS-WEB+), map information display (NMS-01S-2N), drone/UAV communication platforms (Halo, FireBird F100 series), traffic advisory systems (Skytrax 600 Series, FDL-978 Series), and in-flight business solutions (AirFi Venus Box, AirFi Connected Crew). The company integrates third-party satellite networks (Iridium) with proprietary navigation and communication systems to deliver integrated solutions for government, law enforcement, and commercial aviation customers.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• IMS-WEB+ Real-time aircraft flight tracking and fleet management software that monitors aircraft position information and integrates communication, video, and position data to support operational decision-making for manned and unmanned aircraft.
• NMS-01S-2N Map information display device with video transmission capability, showing electronic map data and GPS position information for aviation navigation support. Holds JCAB equipment type approval (Equipment Specification Approval No. 614 series).
• SDL-350 Aircraft satellite communication system utilizing the Iridium Certus network for voice, IP data, PTT, and Short Burst Data communications. Developed by Skytrac Systems and distributed in Japan by Navicom.
• NCS-C100S Iridium Certus 100 class satellite phone device providing voice and IP data communications for aircraft operations.
• IC-SAT100 Satellite transceiver using the Iridium network for Push-To-Talk communications, enabling one-to-many voice communication globally.
• Extreme PTT Iridium satellite-based Push-To-Talk radio system with satellite phone capability for group and individual communications.
• Halo Multi-network communication platform for UAVs and drones integrating LTE, 5G, RF, and satellite communications to support BVLOS operations.
• FireBird F100-5G Ultra-low bandwidth real-time video encoder supporting 5G networks with adaptive video encoding for drone and surveillance applications.
• FireBird F100-4G Real-time video encoder supporting 4G/LTE networks with dynamic bitrate optimization for low-bandwidth environments.
• IridiumGO! exec Portable Iridium satellite communication terminal providing Wi-Fi hotspot and satellite phone functions for smartphones and laptops.
• IridiumGO! Satellite communication device enabling voice calls, messaging, and position sharing via Wi-Fi connection to smartphones and tablets.
• Skytrax 600 Series (TAS) Traffic Advisory System that detects and displays threat aircraft positions using radar transponder responses for collision avoidance.
• FDL-978 Series (RANGR) ADS-B IN receiver providing traffic and weather information display on aviation applications and avionics systems.
• AirFi Venus Box In-flight entertainment device delivering movies, games, music, and advertisements via Wi-Fi to passengers' personal devices on board aircraft.
• AirFi Connected Crew Mobile payment and sales management solution for cabin crew enabling in-flight sales processing, inventory tracking, and payment handling.
• NVTS-02S Aircraft Video Transmission Device Self-developed aircraft-mounted video transmission device that enables real-time transmission of external camera, hoist camera, and cabin camera footage to ground stations. Holds JCAB equipment type approval.
• Iridium Satellite Communication Services Subscription-based Iridium satellite communication services including voice calling, PTT, Certus IP data, and Short Burst Data. Navicom is a registered telecommunications operator and the only Iridium Certus aviation service provider in Japan.
• Aircraft Operations Integrated Coordination System Integrated aircraft operations coordination system jointly developed with Weathernews and Mitsubishi Space Software, combining weather data, software systems, and aviation communication for safe and efficient aircraft operations management.
• Repair and Maintenance Services Ongoing repair and maintenance services for designated aviation electronics products including Skytrac, Iridium, and FreeFlight Systems equipment.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 200 aircraft equipped with Iridium satellite phones in Japan
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Videosoft GlobalcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 25 February 2026Videosoft Global (partner company) was selected as the exclusive live video streaming provider for the Brunei UAS Alliance. Navicom supports this collaboration as a regional partnership in Asia. Videosoft Global's real-time video streaming technology (FireBird F-100 series) is distributed by Navicom in Japan.
• ElsightcoreTechnology or Integration · 31 May 2024Elsight's Halo platform (multi-network bonding communication module for UAVs) was selected by ACSL for logistics drone communication. Navicom distributes Elsight's products in Japan as the exclusive/primary channel partner.
• Central Helicopter Service Co., Ltd. (セントラルヘリコプターサービス株式会社)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 November 2023Co-development partner in the world's first SDL-350 installation on a rotary-wing aircraft. Central Helicopter Service installed the system on their BK117C-2 helicopter and the aircraft is now used as a JAXA experimental platform.
• Two Taiwan Companies (台湾の2社)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 27 September 2023Taiwan-based companies with distribution/technology partnerships as part of Navicom's overseas expansion. Details covered in Helicopter JAPAN article (August-September 2023).
• Weathernews Inc. (株式会社ウェザーニューズ) and Mitsubishi Space Software Corporation (三菱スペース・ソフトWare株式会社)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 March 2021Joint development and sales of 'Aircraft Operations Integrated Coordination System' (航空機運用統合調整システム). The three companies combined their respective expertise — weather information, software systems, and aviation communication — to create an integrated coordination system for aircraft operations.
• SKYTRAC Systems (Canada)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 October 2020Domestic distribution agreement for SKYTRAC Systems' Iridium Certus satellite communication products (SDL-350, S200-021, etc.) in Japan. Navicom serves as the exclusive Japanese agent for SKYTRAC's aviation satellite communication products.
• Iridium CommunicationscoreTechnology or Integration · 1 March 2018Iridium NEXT Service Provider agreement (signed March 2018). Navicom is the only Iridium Certus service provider in Japan's aviation sector. They provide Iridium satellite communication services, aircraft earth station licensing support, and distribute Iridium-certified equipment.
• FreeFlight SystemsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner logo displayed on Navicom's partner page. Navicom distributes FreeFlight Systems' GPS receivers (GPS2101 series) in Japan.
• AirFi.aero (AirFi)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner logo displayed on Navicom's partner page. AirFi provides in-flight entertainment solutions (AirFi Venus Box, AirFi Connected Crew) that Navicom distributes in Japan.
• Gogo (Business Aviation)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner logo displayed on Navicom's partner page. Gogo manufactures Iridium satellite phones and in-flight connectivity solutions distributed by Navicom.
• Latitude TechnologiesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner logo displayed on Navicom's partner page. Latitude Technologies (now Skytrac) manufactures aircraft-mounted satellite communication devices (SkyNode S200) distributed by Navicom.
• AirAsia TaiwanminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner logo displayed on Navicom's partner page. AirAsia Taiwan serves as a regional airline customer and partner for in-flight services in the Taiwan region.
• Link Wave (Taiwan)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner logo displayed on Navicom's partner page. Link Wave is a Taiwanese company, suggesting a regional distribution or technology partnership in Taiwan.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights8 records

Direct peers

• SKYTRAC Systems: Canadian developer of the SDL-350 Iridium Certus satellite communication system that Navicom distributes in Japan. They compete at the product level (aviation SATCOM terminals) but partner commercially, making them both supplier and direct category competitor.
• Avidyne Corporation: Manufacturer of traffic advisory systems (TAS) and collision-avoidance avionics that Navicom distributes in Japan. Direct overlap in the Japanese helicopter avionics market, particularly the Skytrax 600 Series TAS that Navicom sells.
• FreeFlight Systems: Manufacturer of GPS receivers (including the GPS2101 series) and ADS-B equipment that Navicom distributes in Japan. Direct peer in the aviation navigation/surveillance hardware category that Navicom integrates into Japanese customer installations.
• Icom Incorporated: Japanese manufacturer of aviation and marine radios (and a leading Iridium PTT radio producer via IC-SAT100, which Navicom distributes). Both a direct category peer in aviation radios and a principal whose products Navicom resells.
• Elsight: Israeli/Australian developer of the Halo multi-network bonding communication platform for UAVs and BVLOS operations — the same platform Navicom distributes in Japan. Direct peer in UAV/BVLOS connectivity where Navicom serves as their exclusive Japanese channel partner.

Broad incumbents

• Honeywell Aerospace: Global avionics prime offering integrated CNS, navigation, and satellite communication systems. Competes in the same Japanese government helicopter, commercial aviation, and UAV connectivity segments as Navicom.
• Collins Aerospace: Major avionics and aerospace systems prime with broad CNS product portfolios. Targets the same Japanese helicopter, airline, and government operator segments as Navicom with deeper product breadth and larger integration teams.
• Thales Group: Aerospace and defense prime with aviation CNS, satellite communications, and UAV connectivity offerings. Competes with Navicom for Japanese helicopter and government aviation programs as part of a much broader portfolio.
• Japan Radio Co. (JRC): Long-established Japanese manufacturer of aviation electronics, marine radios, and communications equipment. Overlaps with Navicom in Japanese aviation CNS but at much larger scale across multiple industries.
• Garmin International: Global avionics incumbent producing integrated flight decks, navigation, and communication equipment serving Japanese aviation operators. Competes with Navicom's component-and-integration model via bundled certified suites.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/navicom-aviation-corporation

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

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 Navicom Aviation Corporation