iOAT FPL - Improved OAT flight plan implementation project

The iOAT is based on an ICAO flight plan format for military use and contains specific additional information. The iOAT FPL has been deployed in line with the EUROCONTROL Guidelines for a harmonised and improved OAT FPL implementation.

Existing technologies and systems were used for the initial implementation of the iOAT FPL, which meant that there was no need for additional investment.

In coordination with EUROCONTROL, Belgium, Germany and France have accepted to be the pilot States for the initial phase of the iOAT flight plan implementation project.

Since January 2024, our network management operations system has been successfully processing IFR military iOAT flight plans within the controlled airspace of participating countries.

Deployment of the iOAT FPL does not prevent States from continuing to use the national OAT FPL format within the scope of national operations.

Deployment of the iOAT FPL brings benefits to both civil and military ATM stakeholders. It is expected to result in general improvements for military air mobility across Europe while contributing to overall ATM network safety and capacity.

In particular, iOAT FPL deployment will:

• enhance civil-military coordination with regard to military ATM requirements;
• harmonise ATS handling procedures across Europe (e.g. en-route air-to-air refuelling, RPAS and civil test flights);
• optimise the use of available airspace by improving cross-border operations and training;
• increase capacity thanks to better traffic predictability (on the number of military flights requesting special handling or having a potential impact on service complexity);
• boost flexibility to facilitate short-notice military requests;
• harmonise regulatory provisions for IFR flights in controlled airspace;
• increase air navigation infrastructure availability;
• improve flight data consistency, quality, and semantic interoperability through increased automation;
• optimise the use of ATM/CNS infrastructure with a positive impact on costs;
• safeguard military confidentiality requirements;
• ensure consistency between ASM and flight planning processes;
• integrate views on the actual status of airspace;
• contribute towards rapid air mobility needs;
• increase ATC situation awareness.

EUROCONTROL is responsible for:

• maintaining EUROCONTROL Guidelines for a harmonised and improved OAT FPL implementation;
• consolidating the military ATM community’s position on the future development and implementation of iOAT FPLs;
• collecting and communicating iOAT FPL military requirements to the Network Manager;
• leading the iOAT FPL Implementation Focus Group (iOAT FG);
• maintaining the iOAT FPL implementation guidelines document for newcomers;
• promoting the widespread implementation of iOAT FPLs.

Involvement in the iOAT FPL implementation project is on a voluntary basis. For more information, please contact iOAT FG Secretary Velina Zaimova.