integrated Network Management

The EUROCONTROL Network Manager (NM) has embarked on a digital transformation journey to replace its core legacy systems which have successfully ensured flow and network management for over 25 years. Known as iNM – the integrated network management programme will put in place a range of innovative digital products enabling EUROCONTROL, in its capacity as the Network Manager designated by the European Commission, to maximise the efficiency, safety and sustainability of the European aviation network through a new generation of cutting-edge, resilient and scalable operational systems.

The ten-year integrated Network Management (iNM) programme envisages by 2030 the renewal of all the NM’s main operational systems through a collection of technical releases. With each new release EUROCONTROL will make sure that we remain operational for safe European skies. That’s why we develop, implement and test every new functionality step by step.

iNM is EUROCONTROL’s answer to a fast changing, more complex aviation sector. There are new entrants like drones in lower airspace, and fast and slow-moving vehicles in upper airspace – all of which need to be safely accommodated into today’s busy skies. Unexpected challenges at operational level or crises require instant responses. And aviation needs to overcome its biggest challenge yet – to decarbonise fully to become net zero by 2050. Aviation is also evolving through new developments using big data and artificial intelligence as well as new technologies moving e.g. to trajectory-based operations that allow more efficient flexible routing of aircraft.

iNM will revolutionise our operational systems, ensuring that the European aviation network continues to operate with the highest standards of efficiency, safety, and sustainability. iNM will enable NM to transform its business services, resulting in three key deliverables:

• a single flight manager system that seamlessly manages both flight and flow domains;
• one API for internal and external human machine interfaces.

The iNM Programme is brought to life by a dedicated team of experts passionate about shaping the future of European aviation. Each member plays a crucial role in this transformative project. The team is led by Tony Licu, the EUROCONTROL’s Head of Technology Division, who oversees the overall strategy and execution, and Sil De Gang, the Programme Manager, who coordinates cross-functional teams to ensure timely project milestones. Together, they guide the programme toward its ambitious goals, ensuring alignment with our overarching objectives.

The success of iNM is also anchored in the expertise and innovation of our trusted partners. Collaborating with Indra, Atos, and Eviden, we are developing the advanced functionalities and products that will power the future of European air traffic management. These partners are essential in turning our vision into reality, providing the technology and solutions that underpin the iNM Programme.

• October 2023: New Ops room
  The Network Manager Operations Centre moved into the state-of-the-art environment of its new and highly sustainable building.
• October 2024: Wave O – Go live of the Digital Platform and 3 Digital Products
  Go live of EUROCONTROL’s new Digital Platform – the foundation of its future operational systems - together with 3 key Digital Products: the Code Allocation List (CAL), the Route Availability Document (RAD) and the Dynamic Network Plan (the DNP).
• November 2024: Wave 1.0 - Shadow operations of eEAD
  Early adoption of a subset of eEAD features in shadow mode.
• April 2025: Wave 2.0 – Start of eEAD operations
  This milestone will bring the first set of eEAD functionalities operational, including the core Aeronautical Data Management (ADM) and ‘conventional’ NOTAM (CNOTAM) modules, enabling daily data management, NOTAM, and DNOTAM operations while ensuring compliance with the upcoming CP1 regulation.
• October 2025: Wave 2.1 – Towards single trajectory and new Users Interfaces
  First step to trajectory management with an integrated Flight & Flow Management System (SFDB) and a modernised one-stop shop NM User Interface.
• December 2025: Wave 2.2 – Completes the eEAD operational feature range
  Wave 2.2 will bring the second set of eEAD functionalities operational, offering the complete range of eEAD features
• 2026 onwards: Wave 3 - Trajectory management
  Implementation of reference trajectory management, integrated data layer and Call Sign Similarity Tool. Mid 2027, the legacy EAD system will be decommissioned.