Len HearndenManagerSafety, Operations & Infrastructure Europe

2.2 Volcanic AshEyjafjallajokull Eruption

Airlines dealing with crisis - the IATA role

• Severe eruption – 14 April

• Airspace closed 15 - 21 April

• US$1.8 billion in losses

• 10 million passengers stranded

• Cargo trade halted

Eyjafjallajokull Erupts

IATA’s Crisis Center: re-open airspace Information to members Liaison with European governments, EC

IATA’s lobbying role: Special ICAO Council meeting UK NATS, ECTL, EASA, EC and

manufacturers

IATA’s tactical role: 24/7 support Eurocontrol CFMU

IATA’s Actions

Airlines all have operations control centres although they do vary in size and tehcnical capabilities

This one is actually American Airlines in Dallas which is well equipped

Some will also have TV news available such as CNN

Pictured here is the Eurocontrol team during the volcanic crisis

No Fly Zone = red18.4.2010

No Fly Zone = black19.5.2010

Improvement over time

Volcano Ash Advisory Centers

Delegate operational decisions to airlines/pilots

Move toward approach used by rest-of-world

Develop better volcanic ash operational procedures

This is already done when it comes to major thunderstorm activity which is more dangerous

What needs to be done?

EU Transport Ministerial meeting – 24 JuneAirlines wanted agreement for option 2

but it was not forthcoming

Accelerate Single European Sky (SES) implementation

Not just the 2012 targets

ICAO procedures/guidance/coordination needed

Devise procedure to measure ash concentration

Determine safety levels in volcanic ash contaminated airspace

So long as decision-making rests with governments

Involve airlines in airspace decisions

Supplement VACC model w/ data from test flights and pilot/maintenance reports

Refine and harmonize various VAACs models

What needs to be done?

9

Collaboration is KEY

ICAOStates

State Aviation OrganisationsCIVIL / Military

European CommissionAirspace Users

Service providersAerospace industry

Standardisation-BodiesResearch and development

organisations