iNM update: EUROCONTROL successfully completes another programme Wave with the launch of eEAD shadow operations for Early Adopters and a rebooted Narrator+ Crisis tool

Wave 1 provides:

• shadow operations of the electronic European Aeronautical Database (eEAD) - a common service that offers instant access to the most up-to-date digital aeronautical information for all European operational aviation actors
• a redeveloped Narrator+ (Crisis) tool, which NM uses for pan-European aviation crisis exercises to promote preparedness in large-scale crisis management exercises, Narrator+ is fully aligned with iNM and brings functional improvements such as database updates and scenario editing, reducing the workload when preparing crisis exercises.

iNM is EUROCONTROL’s ambitious digital transformation programme designed to replace our legacy operational systems with advanced digital products, modernising European air traffic management (ATM) to deal with the capacity challenge by enhancing the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of the European aviation network. Today’s release follows on iNM Wave O of EUROCONTROL’s brand-new digital platform, the foundation of our new operational systems and three Digital Products launched in October.

The shadow operations phase allows eEAD Early Adopters to validate the features in a test-safe, operationally simulated mode, while the current EAD continues as the main operational platform to process and distribute world-wide NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen ) and pre-flight information services.

At the heart of Wave 1 is EUROCONTROL’s philosophy of user-centric design and early validation. By involving users at every stage of development, EUROCONTROL ensures that new tools and systems meet real-world operational needs. Early Adopters play a key role in this phase, testing and validating features in parallel to live operations, and helping to refine and optimise the eEAD system.

Following the launch of Wave 1 shadow operations, EUROCONTROL will continue its work on subsequent phases of the iNM programme. The next milestone is the operational start of a Minimum Viable Product of eEAD compliant with CP1 regulations, planned for May 2025, with full features deployment expected by the end of 2025.

By the end of the decade, the iNM programme will have revolutionised the EUROCONTROL Network Manager’s operational systems, introducing a powerful, scalable, and integrated digital architecture that will drive greater efficiency, safety, and sustainability across the European aviation network.