The aviation industry is preparing for a major upgrade to radio altimeters amidst upcoming 5G spectrum deployments. Airlines and aerospace manufacturers have presented a new timeline to the FCC aiming to retrofit or replace most aircraft with compliant altimeters by 2029, significantly faster than previous estimates, subject to receiving appropriate compensation and regulatory support.
These altimeters are critical for safety and must be resistant to interference from cellular transmissions in the adjacent 4.2-4.4GHz band, which will be auctioned in 2027. The industry’s revised plan involves completing retrofit work primarily for aircraft operated by Part 121 airlines by 2029, with the remaining fleet following in 2030. The move hinges on financial reimbursement for the costly upgrades, regulatory approvals, and increased manufacturing capacity.
Representatives from several major industry players, including Airbus, Boeing, Honeywell, and Thales, signed a letter outlining this accelerated approach. The Federal Aviation Administration has also proposed requirements for retrofitting or replacing altimeters to ensure interference tolerance, with initial completion dates set between 2029 and 2032. The industry is optimistic that with proper incentives, this transition can be achieved swiftly, minimizing safety risks as spectrum changes unfold.
