Taking the network operations plan to the next level
Via its enhanced network operations plan, SESAR is supporting the efficient, safe and sustainable use of European airspace and airports.
With a focus on information exchange and collaboration, SESAR has developed a range of digital technologies and procedures. Bundled together as a network operations plan, these solutions are designed to support the planning of efficient, safe and reliable ATM operations across European airspace during normal, disrupted and crisis situations.
As more users take to the skies, there is growing pressure on air traffic operations to become more efficient, reduce delays, optimise flight paths and better manage capacity. Efficient air traffic management is also a prerequisite to reducing costs and aviation’s environmental footprint.
To help, SESAR has contributed significantly to enhancing the network operations plan (NOP) by developing tools, procedures and operational concepts that feed into the plan's evolution.
Managed by the EUROCONTROL Network Manager, the NOP is designed to provide a harmonised approach to planning air traffic across national boundaries. It is also used to manage disruptions and crises – such as severe weather, strikes or other unexpected events – all whilst maintaining continuity and minimising the impact on air traffic.
To do this, the NOP platform takes digital information from a wide range of sources and uses this data to facilitate common situational awareness for ATM partners. NOP tools include actions for air traffic flow management, along with solutions for capacity planning and coordination among different stakeholders, such as air navigation service providers (ANSPs), airlines, airports and the EUROCONTROL Network Manager.
As a result, the NOP enhances the overall efficiency and reliability of the European air traffic network whilst maintaining safety levels and benefiting all stakeholders, including air passengers and cargo.
The solution
SESAR, in collaboration with the EUROCONTROL Network Manager, developed the concept of a collaborative NOP. This evolution of the NOP extends the range of bi-directional information exchange between airports, ANSPs, airlines and the EUROCONTROL Network Manager through a system-wide information management concept (SWIM) and cyber secure business-to-consumer (B2C) tools. The partners share planning information to cover departure, cruise and arrival for the entire flight trajectory and to support the optimisation of network functions.
At the heart of the collaborative NOP is SESAR Solution #20, ‘Initial collaborative network operations plan (NOP)’ (1). This solution evolved the three main aspects of the NOP, namely:
- Integration of the airport operations plan (AOP) and the NOP
- Meteorological status monitoring
- Network performance monitoring
Additional automation tools support the process and assist collaborative decision making and network performance monitoring.
The solution enables the EUROCONTROL Network Manager and stakeholders to prepare and share information in real time and supports collaborative decision-making processes. Furthermore, the data exchanges between the Network Manager, airports, airspace users and air traffic control, which are carried out in real time, contribute to greater operational efficiency.
The results
By enabling the sharing of information between all stakeholders, the collaborative NOP not only improves predictability, it also provides several key advantages for air traffic management:
Integration of airport and network data
The AOP-NOP integration facilitates the automated exchange of digital information between airports and networks, improving planning and enabling timely resolutions, such as accommodating late-arriving flights.
Increased visibility of network performance
The NOP platform provides data to analyse performance metrics (e.g., delays, adherence, predictability) across various timeframes, supporting a shift towards performance driven operations.
Initial integration of weather information
Tools developed by SESAR allow MET forecast data to support cross-border weather management, improving the EUROCONTROL Network Manager’s ability to mitigate weather-related disruptions through collaborative decision-making.
Improved collaboration via tool support
The integration of the NOP with flow management position tools streamlines trajectory planning and enables efficient execution of measures like ground delays and re-routing, helping ANSPs effectively balance demand and capacity.
By supporting the deployment of the above listed advancements and improving air traffic flow management, SESAR helps optimise flight paths, reduce delays and minimise aviation’s environmental impact – ensuring the continuous improvement of Europe's air traffic management system.
The details
- SESAR Solution #20 is directly linked to the SESAR deployment family 4.2.1, ‘Interactive rolling NOP’, framed in sub-AF 4.2, identified in the EU Implementing Regulation on the establishment of the Common Project 1.
- The EUROCONTROL Network Manager implemented four SESAR deployment projects to conclude the interactive rolling NOP as indicated in the Common Project 1 Regulation (CP1).
- In 2017, the basics were established by the Interactive Rolling NOP project (#077_AF4), leading to the provision of a common interface for all stakeholders that enables the collaborative decision-making processes used to build and execute the NOP(2).
- This was followed by the Implementation of Target Times for ATFCM purposes (2015_114_AF4) (3).
- In 2022, the ‘Network Collaborative Management’ (2017_054_AF4) and ‘Interactive Rolling Network Operations Planning’ (2015_105_AF4) projects were completed, finalising the implementation and deployment of the SESAR deployment family 4.2.1(4) (5)
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