This solution is a collaborative NOP information structure, which provides updated data exchanges between the Network Manager and stakeholders systems to the required level of service, thus allowing shared operational decision-making (e.g. TTA, STAM) and their justifications in real-time. The structure includes an information model and classification by types of actions, influencers, performance objectives, relationships between actions, objectives, issues, among others.

Description of the exercises

Several validations will be undertaken which address the development of the collaborative NOP information structure. Live trials in Palma, Barcelona and Brussels will assess the feasibility and benefits of the AOP-NOP integration using SWIM.

Live trials in Langen and Bretigny will demonstrate the feasibility of automatically updating the real airspace status into the Network Manager (NM) system, thereby delivering a collaborative decision-making process between air traffic control (ATC), airspace management (ASM) and NM systems. Specifically the exercises will validate the safety and technical feasibility of automatically updating the pre-notification, activation and modification of airspace reservations (ARES) on the controller working position. The exercises are expected to refine the interoperability requirements for the three systems to interface with one another.

A series of shadow mode exercises in Brussels are planned to assess advanced STAM tools and the operational use of global performance indicators to assist network performance monitoring. The exercises will also validate the integration of weather information into the network to support the elaboration of the network plan, the use of MET prediction and ASM solutions to improve fine-tuning of Demand and Capacity Balancing measures, and the roles and responsibilities of the actors involved in these processes. Finally, shadow mode exercises in Brussels and Toulouse with real flights will validate the operational feasibility of the use of the EFPL in the flight plan acceptance and distribution processes of the Network Manager.

Expected benefits 

• Improved predictability
• Enhanced airspace capacity
• Increased cost effectiveness