Boeing and United Airlines test advanced digital communications for the future of flight
- Boeing ecoDemonstrator Explorer aircraft, a United 737-8, tested advanced digital communications to improve operational efficiency
- The collaboration also included government agencies, Boeing suppliers, communications service providers and academia.
SEATTLE, December 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/-Boeing [NYSE: BA] and United Airlines have conducted flight tests to evaluate a modernized data communications system designed to improve the flow of information between the flight deck, air traffic control and the airline’s operations centers.
With a United 737-8 aircraft serving as Boeing’s ecoDemonstrator Explorer 2025, the airline’s pilots conducted test flights to evaluate Internet Protocol Suite (IPS) standards. Internet-based communications aim to improve operational efficiency and flight safety while reducing air traffic congestion, fuel use, costs and emissions.
The Boeing ecoDemonstrator Explorer 2025 began flight testing in late October for approximately two weeks, with flights in the US based in houston and European flights based in Edinburgh, Scotland.
“Boeing is proud to lead the advancement of digital communications that significantly improve safety and operational efficiency in commercial aviation,” said Boeing’s chief technology officer. Todd Citron. “Our collaboration with United Airlines and the industry team is a critical step toward improving the reliability and speed of communication between the flight deck and air traffic control to enable safer, more efficient flights for the flying public.”
“The ecoDemonstrator project is an exceptional collaboration to help support ongoing upgrades within our air traffic control system and improve safety for our customers and the global aviation community,” said United 737 Chief Test Pilot Andy McKee. “After many months of careful planning, United is proud to have executed this flight test effort with Boeing and our other partners, leveraging the expertise of all of our teammates to help shape the future of flight.”
Since 2012, the Boeing ecoDemonstrator program has accelerated innovation by taking new technologies out of the laboratory and testing them in an operational environment to help solve real-world challenges for airlines and passengers. The ecoDemonstrator program has tested more than 250 technologies to improve safety, reduce fuel use, emissions and noise, and improve operational efficiency and passenger experience. More information about the evidence and the Boeing ecoDemonstrator program can be found here.
ecoDemonstrator’s latest collaboration also included government agencies in the US and EuropeBoeing suppliers, aeronautical communications service providers and academics. The test is the final step in a decade of development by Boeing and its partners to prepare this technology to enter operational service.
Participants in the ecoDemonstrator Explorer project also include:
- Collins Aerospace, Honeywell, SITA, Thales, Viasat,
- European Space Agency (ESA), Federal Aviation Administration, NASA Air Traffic Management – Exploration Project
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
“Data communications are essential for the safety and performance of tomorrow’s aircraft,” he said. Nate Boelkinspresident of Avionics at Collins Aerospace. “Our work with the ecoDemonstrator Explorer program advances performance-based connectivity and interoperability, helping to create more reliable, secure and agile operations across global airspace.”
“As the aviation industry ushers in a new era of digital communications, Thales is proud to play a key role in shaping the future of flight,” said Nicolas Bonleux, vice president of Thales Aerospace Communications. “Our AVIATOR 200S system, the smallest and lightest cabin IP Satcom, enables operators like United to support more efficient operations while modernizing the flight deck with real-time connectivity for smarter, safer decision-making.”
“As aviation evolves, so does the need for communication systems that can support emerging requirements, such as trajectory-based operations, which demand technologies beyond current standards,” said Yann Cabaret, SITA Executive Director for Aircraft. “By partnering with Boeing on its ecoDemonstrator IPS test program, we at SITA are actively testing these innovative solutions in real-world, multi-link environments, advancing our shared vision of safer, more efficient and better-connected skies.”
“This partnership marks a crucial milestone towards a unified global solution for air traffic management,” said Laurent Jaffart, ESA’s Director of Secure Connectivity and Communications. “Through this trial of interconnected digital communications, we are not only advancing operational efficiency but also moving towards a safer and more efficient airspace. Ultimately, this will generate significant economic benefits and help reduce emissions, supporting the aviation industry in achieving its sustainability goals.”
“Viasat is pleased to partner with Boeing on the ecoDemonstrator program to show how the satcom data link supports current and future trajectory-based operations,” he said. Joel Kloostersenior vice president of Airline Operations and Safety at Viasat. “Based on the Iris Global program of the European Space Agency, already operational in Europe“This activity demonstrates the ability of Viasat’s SB-S service to support the transition to ATN/IPS, the next generation of IP-based data link critical to supporting higher volumes of air traffic in a sustainable and efficient manner.”
Boeing, a leading global aerospace company and the largest U.S. exporter, develops, manufactures and services commercial aircraft, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Our workforce and supplier base in the U.S. and around the world drive innovation, economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing is committed to fostering a culture based on our core values of safety, quality and integrity.
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