The Network Manager has an important role to play when European aviation network might be affected by major ATM disruptions and network crisis situations in that it ensures that the performance of the European network is as effective as possible in the given circumstances.
In close cooperation with its operational partners such as AOs, ANSPs, airports, and military, the Network Manager facilitates the CDM process to underpin effective information exchange. Important information on the actions taken in collaboration with all partners is then reflected on the Network Operations Portal.
In the event of major network disruptions or crisis situations, procedures and tools are in place to help mitigate the impact of of these events on operations.
According to the level of network disruptions, the Network Manager (NM) has various roles to play as described in the tabs below.
Pre-alert Phase: Network Operations are either:
The trigger is a warning given to the NM indicating that an event with the potential to affect the European aviation network has happened or may happen. The NM gathers all necessary information and monitors the situation.
Depending on the sensitivity of the event, the NM assesses its progress and decides whether or not relevant information may be published on the NOP to provide the aviation community with the latest updates on the disruptive event. Moreover, the NM may organise a teleconference to facilitate the exchange of information.
Following the Pre-alert phase, the NM may return to normal operations or, if the disruption becomes major, may progress to the Disruption Management phase.
Examples: heavy winter conditions, industrial action or unavailability of a major ANSP, etc.
Disruption Management Phase: Major disruption to the European aviation network.
The trigger is confirmed information given to the NM indicating that:
The NM gathers all necessary information and monitors the situation.
The NM assesses how the event is progressing and decides what relevant information will be published on the NOP to provide the aviation community with the latest updates on the disruptive event. Moreover, the NM organises teleconferences to facilitate the exchange of information.
Following the Disruption Management phase, the NM may return to the Pre-alert phase or normal operations. Should the major disruption worsen, it may progress to the Crisis Management phase.
Examples: military intervention impacting parts of the European network, industrial action or unavailability of a major ANSP or several ANSPs, etc.
Crisis Management Phase: Crisis resulting in a major loss of network capacity, and/or major imbalance between network capacity and demand.
The trigger is confirmed information given to the NM indicating that:
A crisis is defined as:
The NM gathers the required information and monitors the situation. In addition, the NM activates EACCC. See the More link to EACCC web pages below.
At operational level, the NM assesses the progress of the event and decides what relevant information will be published on the NOP to provide the aviation community with the latest updates on the crisis. Moreover, the NM organises teleconferences to facilitate exchange on information.
At the political level, the EACCC gathers information on the progress of the event and organises EACCC teleconferences involving EACCC members, relevant State Focal points and, depending on the nature of crisis, relevant expert organisations. The EACCC prepares communications, based on the factual assessment of the situation made by the EACCC, and transmit them to EC/EASA/EUROCONTROL as Network Manager, the civil and military authorities of affected States and corresponding NSAs/ANSPs, airlines and airports.
Following the Crisis Management phase, the NM may return to the Disruption Management phase, or Pre-alert phase or even to normal operations.
Examples: volcanic ash dispersion, pandemic, massive cyber attack, etc.