NewPENS

New pan-European network service

Securing cross-border network connections and underpins safety-critical applications.

THIS IS PART OF
Communications, navigation and surveillance

The new pan-European network service (NewPENS) is a ultra-resilient network spearheaded by EUROCONTROL, which promises to enhance the reliability and security of aviation data flows.

NewPENS provides a robust IP-based infrastructure for exchanging critical and common aeronautical information reliably, securely and safely in a cost-efficient way. It meets both current needs for the information exchange between air navigation service providers and other ATM stakeholders, as well as future applications planned in the SESAR Programme, such as SWIM.

Its technical service catalogue will evolve with technology and business requirements, while its architecture guarantees an increased level of end-to-end control and authority.

Features

NewPENS is available to a wide spectrum of stakeholders, including air traffic management providers, air navigation service providers, airlines, airports, the military and meteorological services.

To these stakeholders, NewPENS offers:

  • differentiated services – from entry-level and mid-level to demanding high-end. Users are only charged for the services they sign up for,
  • increased flexibility and support for applications, including support for safety-critical applications with ATM-grade safety levels,
  • up to 99.999% availability where needed,
  • elaborate cybersecurity precautions to protect users in security-sensitive contexts and
  • a Europe-wide Service Desk with extensive monitoring and reporting services provided through the NewPENS Service Management Framework.
Our network connects
100 +

locations

47

Countries

Military perspective

Military use of NewPENS depends on operational needs, adequate interoperability and security provisions, which are expected to be introduced in the future.

In the medium term, NewPENS will expand to support all stakeholders’ ground data distribution requirements, including those emerging from SESAR (the Single European Sky ATM Research Programme).

An “Interoperability Control Document (ICD) for IP Network Support of Local And Regional Airspace Management (LARA) Systems” has been drawn up and is available for download (see "Related links" section).

Governance

NewPENS’ governance structure gives strategic guidance and supervision. It includes:

  • a Top Management Board (TMB) to drive strategic change,
  • a PENS Executive Board (PEB) for effective collaboration with the user communities and
  • an Air Traffic Service Board (ATSB) with network managers from ANSPs and EUROCONTROL for tactical guidance and service management.