If you’re traveling during the holiday season, then you’ll likely be anticipating the dreaded packed airports and flight delays. There may soon be a reason to rejoice, however, as a space-based system could be taking over air-traffic communications in the near future with promises for better efficiency.

The European Space Agency (ESA) announced a collaboration with Boeing and satellite operator Viasat to test an emerging space-based technology that connects pilots with air traffic controllers using satellites. A series of test flights took place in late October and early November to and from different parts of the United States and Europe, according to ESA. Tests of the system began last year in Europe, but the technology is now going global.

Up in the air

Traditionally, pilots commun

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