Iridium acquires Aireon for $366.7M

Iridium Communications Inc. announced a definitive agreement to acquire the remaining 61% equity interests of Aireon LLC for approximately $366.7 million, plus the assumption of $155 million in debt. This acquisition unifies Aireon's space-based air traffic surveillance system with Iridium Communications' satellite network, aiming to enhance global aviation safety by combining surveillance, safety communications, PNT, and operational data. The transaction is expected to add $100 million in service revenue and $30 million in OEBITDA annually to Iridium Communications. Existing shareholders of Aireon LLC, including Canada, NATS, Republic of Ireland — Irish Air Navigation Service, ENAV, and Denmark — Naviair, are divesting their stakes. Canada and NATS will continue as customers, signing extended data services agreements through 2035 and beyond, and will cooperate on developing new capabilities like space-based VHF communications. The acquisition is targeted to close in early July 2026.