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 incremental renewal of all the NM’s main operational systems, resulting in a new digital architecture that will harness the power of innovation and enable NM to deliver ever more integrated business services and products to its stakeholders.

NM’s current operational systems have for over 25 years enabled EUROCONTROL to manage successfully the European network, displaying in that time unparalleled reliability and resilience. However, they are now reaching their technical limits in terms of performance and agility, at a time of ever-growing business challenges in terms of new business capabilities, emerging regulatory requirements, and technological evolutions.

EUROCONTROL has entered into a strategic partnership with technology companies Indra and Atos-Cronos to work with established EUROCONTROL partners Cegeka and Sopra Steria to deliver the iNM programme. iNM will result in a scalable solution that meets NM’s performance requirements for decades to come.

At the heart of iNM will be advanced capabilities and new services that support the evolution of operational concepts over the next decade and beyond, encompassing:

• enterprise architecture;
• agile development;
• artificial intelligence and machine learning;
• big data and data analytics;
• probability modelling;
• predictive analysis;
• cloud solutions;
• scalable systems;
• cyber resilience.

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;
• a unique dynamic airspace system that eliminates overlaps and inconsistencies between legacy systems and databases;
• one API for internal and external human machine interfaces.

• September 2019
  iNM programme charter developed
• December 2019
  iNM approved in 2019 by EUROCONTROL’s Member States, following the successful renomination by the European Commission of EUROCONTROL as the Network Manager for a further decade earlier in 2019
• January 2020
  Issuance of a call for tender calling on IT partners capable of delivering the next generation of digital solutions
• July 2021
  iNM contracts signature
• September 2021
  Launch of the iNM programme through a strategic partnership with industry
• September – December 2021
  Development of an iNM integrated Roadmap for the digital products, the digital platform and the legacy systems
• 2022
  Work on initial orders
• Winter 2023
  Operating of EUROCONTROL NM’s legacy systems from the New Ops Centre
• 2024-2029
  Evolution of all legacy systems towards the iNM system
• 29 November 2024
  The start of shadow operations running the new iNM system in parallel with EUROCONTROL’s legacy systems
• 15 May 2025
  The start of full new eEAD operations as well as deployment of new digital products