Radio spectrum coordination: A critical component for safe aviation

By Nikolai Vassiliev, Chief, ITU-R Terrestrial Services Department

Modern aviation depends on reliable radiocommunication systems for navigation, air traffic management, surveillance and safety services. The aviation sector is recognized internationally as one of the primary users of radio spectrum – an essential resource without which aircraft operations could not meet global requirements for safe, efficient and cost-effective air transport. 

With more than 100,000 flights across the skies daily, harmonized radio spectrum usage is critical to guarantee that communication, navigation, and surveillance systems work seamlessly worldwide. Global spectrum management also supports interoperability, reduces equipment complexity, and enables a predictable regulatory framework. This stability allows airlines and manufacturers to invest confidently in new technologies, reducing costs and improving operational efficiency across global fleets.

The aviation industry represents a critical pillar of the global economy, underpinning international connectivity, trade, and tourism. It contributes about 4.1 per cent to the global economy and facilitates an estimated USD 8.3 trillion in commercial exchange annually.

Maintaining efficiently regulated airspace operations is imperative – firstly for safety, and secondly because any disruption in this sector can result in significant economic repercussions.

Why radiocommunication matters for aviation

Regulatory frameworks governing air-to-surface and air-to-air communications are vital to maintain operational safety and efficiency. These standards ensure uninterrupted information exchange between air traffic control stations and aircraft, even in remote or oceanic regions where connectivity enabled by ground infrastructure is inherently limited.

Advanced communication technologies with standardized protocols mitigate risks of signal loss and enable the timely transmission of critical flight information. The radiocommunication systems that support air traffic management, collision avoidance, emergency response, and situational awareness ultimately reinforce the resilience of air transport systems and the entire global economy.

Key ITU‑R activities supporting aviation safety

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and its Radiocommunication Sector (ITU‑R) manage everyone’s use of the radio-frequency spectrum and develop key technical standards that ensures civil aviation systems operate safely and reliably worldwide.

Key ITU-R activities include:

Global spectrum management

The radio spectrum is a scarce natural resource with finite capacity, for which demand by various radiocommunication services is constantly increasing. International frequency coordination – part of ITU’s portfolio since 1906 – has become ever more crucial to satisfy present and future frequency spectrum requirements for aviation. 

ITU‑R – consisting of ITU’s 194 member states and hundreds of companies and organizations – oversees the global allocation and coordination of radio-frequency spectrum for aeronautical services under the Radio Regulations, an international treaty ensuring interference-free operations for critical aviation communications and navigation systems.

Protecting aeronautical and GNSS integrity against harmful interference

Preventing and resolving harmful radio interference is a core ITU‑R mandate. Aeronautical radiocommunication systems form the backbone of modern aviation infrastructure, providing essential data for navigation and flight planning.

Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) are vital for modern aviation, delivering precise positioning and timing across all flight phases. They enable optimized routes, reduce reliance on ground infrastructure, and support advanced navigation methods such as Performance-Based Navigation (PBN)—enhancing airspace efficiency and safety worldwide.

Recent concerns include GNSS jamming and spoofing, which can compromise aircraft navigation. To safeguard GNSS, ITU worked closely with ICAO and Member States to mitigate these threats and maintain aviation safety.

ITU‑R addresses harmful interference by assisting Member States in resolving interference cases by collecting technical reports and facilitating spectrum coordination among affected parties. Moreover, ITU’s resolutions such as WRC‑23 Resolution 676 urge administrations to protect GNSS frequencies.

Development of technical standards and regulations

ITU‑R Study Groups develop recommendations, reports, and handbooks that define technical characteristics and operational procedures for aeronautical radiocommunication systems, ensuring global interoperability and performance standards. World Radiocommunication Conferences provide spectrum resource for new wireless aviation systems and ensure protection of the current aeronautical applications.

Emergency communications and early warning systems

Radiocommunication services are also vital for disaster risk reduction and emergency response. ITU-R’s work on Earth observation and remote sensing systems supports accurate weather forecasting and early warnings for extreme events, which are essential for aviation safety. These systems help predict storm paths and mitigate risks for flights operating in vulnerable regions.

Collaboration with ICAO

ITU‑R collaborates closely with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to align spectrum policies with aviation safety requirements, ensuring that new technologies – such as satellite-based communications for communications with pilots, for example – are integrated without compromising safety.

Recent developments

The last World Radiocommunication Conference, WRC-23, improved the regulatory framework and decided on new spectrum allocations.

Several of those decisions directly impact civil aviation:

• The conference allocated VHF (very high frequency) spectrum in the 117.975-137 megahertz (MHz) band to aeronautical mobile-satellite (route) service for relying on communications with pilots via non-geostationary satellites and determined the rules for using those frequencies. This decision will allow aircraft to stay in touch with air traffic controllers everywhere in the world, especially in oceanic and remote areas.
• The conference amended the technical basis of the aeronautical high-frequency (HF) plan for aeronautical mobile (route) service contained in Radio Regulations Appendix 27. By this decision, the conference permitted the introduction of new digital wideband HF systems.
• Spectrum was also allocated for non-safety aeronautical applications, enabling drones, helicopters and small aircraft to perform tasks of surveillance, monitoring, mapping, filming, etc., and transfer large data from them using wideband radio links. WRC-23 allocated the bands 15.41-15.7 GHz and 22-22.2 GHz in Region 1 (Africa, Europe and Central Asia) and some Region 3 (Asia-Pacific) countries to the aeronautical mobile (off-route) service for such aeronautical applications.

Looking ahead to WRC-27

While space-related issues dominated the next conference agenda, several topics intersect with aviation needs.

These include:

Mobile-satellite service (MSS) broadband connectivity

Preparatory studies will examine possible new allocations to MSS for direct-to-device connectivity, complementing terrestrial IMT networks. This could enhance connectivity in remote areas or during network outages.

Aeronautical mobile-satellite service enhancements

Several issues on the agenda of WRC-27 address additional spectrum and regulatory provisions for mobile-satellite service, as well as for Earth Stations in Motion (ESIMs). These systems will further contribute to a global communication coverage for aircraft over oceans and remote regions.

Advancing innovation

ITU stands at the forefront of global efforts to ensure safe, connected skies for all. Our work aligns especially closely with the theme of this year’s International Civil Aviation Day: “Advancing Innovation for Global Aviation Development.”

By fostering international cooperation, safeguarding critical spectrum resources, ITU‑R enables progress while protecting safety. By managing spectrum allocations, developing technical standards, preventing harmful interference, ITU‑R ensures that the backbone of aviation – secure and reliable communications – remains strong.

Looking ahead, initiatives such as next-generation satellite connectivity and enhanced aeronautical services will not only improve operational efficiency but also reinforce safety across every flight path.

These efforts underscore ITU’s commitment to advancing innovation for sustainable, inclusive aviation development worldwide.

Further reading:

Harmful Interference to Radio Navigation Satellite Service

UN agencies warn of satellite navigation jamming and spoofing

Header image credit: Adobe Stock