Network operations

Powered by the Network Manager Operations Centre.

about

The Network Manager’s core is our air traffic management network operations.

At the Network Manager Operations Centre (NMOC) we optimise traffic flows by constantly balancing capacity supply and demand while ensuring the safe and efficient operation of flights going to and over Europe.

Process

At EUROCONTROL, we collect aeronautical data from all countries in its area of operations in the world’s largest aeronautical information system (AIS) – the European AIS Database (EAD).

Our state-of-the-art AIS solution and centralised approach allow us to ensure the safety, regularity, economy and efficiency of international air navigation by addressing any corrupt or erroneous aeronautical data.

We expand our view of the through accurate information about Europe’s airspace, kept up-to-date in the Central Airspace and Capacity Database (CACD). Sharing this information improves the efficiency and accuracy of our systems - Initial Flight Plan Processing System (IFPS) and Enhanced Tactical Flow Management System (ETFMS) - and those of our stakeholders. The airspace data is updated both during the current AIRAC cycle (dynamically and semi-dynamically) as well as for the next cycle (statically).

For every flight in or over Europe, pilots must submit a flight plan to our Operations Centre (NMOC). We then use the airspace and aeronautical data available to us to check the flight plan. The data is then validated, if necessary, corrected and distributed to our partners. This ensures the network’s safety and security, by flagging black-listed operators and ensuring there are no conflicting call signs embedded in their flight schedules.

The strategic phase take place seven days or more prior to the day of operations. The NMOC researches, plans and coordinates network activities through a Collaborative Decision Making (CDM) process. We collect data continuously, review procedures and suggest measures to identify major imbalances in the network’s capacity demands. When they are identified, we coordinate and execute strategic air traffic flow and capacity management (ATFCM) planning to optimise all available capacity to reach our performance targets. As a result we produce the Network Operations Plan (NOP).

The pre-tactical phase takes place one day to six days before the day of operations. The NMOC studies the demand for the day of operation, compares it with the predicted available capacity and makes any necessary adjustments to the plan developed during the strategic phase. By doing so we optimise efficiency and balance demand and capacity by organising resources more effectively and by implementing a wide range of appropriate ATFCM measures. We collaborate efficiently with stakeholders by using a CDM process. The output is the ATFCM Daily Plan (ADP) published via ATFCM Notification Message (ANM) or Initial Network Plan (INP) and via the Network Operations Portal.

The tactical phase takes place on the day of operations. At the NMOC we review, in real time, the events that affect the ADP and make the necessary modifications. Thus we ensure that the measures taken during the strategic and pre-tactical phases are the minimum required to solve any imbalance between demand and capacity. We rely on accurate information to power our short-term forecasts which can help us maximise existing capacity without jeopardising safety. As a result we deliver real-time optimisations to the network.

The post-operational phase takes place after the day of operations. At the NMOC we measure, investigate and report on operational processes and activities throughout all domains and external units relevant to ATFCM. All stakeholders provide feedback on the efficiency of the ADP, flight planning and airspace data. We compare our anticipation with the actual measured outcome in terms of delay and route extension, while taking into account performance targets. This helps us develop best practices and lessons learnt to improve our operational processes and activities.

The NMOC permanently monitors the airspace capacity against traffic load. This allows us to have an accurate picture of the current and expected network situation. To ensure the transparent and efficient operation of the network, we collect all of the real-time data generated by the network and share it with all operational partners through our Data Collection and Distribution Services (DCS and DDS).

Detailed data on air traffic

We provide detailed and up-to-date data on traffic, delays, punctuality and much more, including a regular European Aviation Overview.

2023 Rolling Seasonal Plan

We have consolidated data from around 350 airlines, 68 area control centres, 55 airports and 43 States into one unique plan to prepare for when traffic is back.

Network Operational Portal (NOP)

Your gateway to interact with EUROCONTROL's Network Manager Operations Centre (NMOC)

Tools

CSST

Call sign similarity tool

CCMS

Central claim management system

CHMI

Collaboration human machine interface

DDR

Demand data repository

EVITA

European crisis visualisation interactive tool for ATFCM

FATHOM

Network Manager interactive analysis tool

R&D activities

At EUROCONTROL we conduct R&D activities for the evolution of the network management function at regional, sub-regional and local levels.

We deliver integrated and validated operational solutions improving network performance.

Our performance objectives are aligned with the European ATM Master Plan and aim at increasing capacity and providing greater opportunities for stakeholders to optimise their operations in a cost-effective manner.

The future ATM network must be robust and resilient to a whole range of disruptions, including weather and meteorological disruptions.

Network operations library

ATFCM Users Manual

IFPS Users Manual

ATFCM Operations Manual

EVITA Training

EVITA Users Guide

NM Operational Problem Reporting

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