Edition number: 1.

0
Edition date: 06.12.2011
Status: released issue
Intended for: General public

European ATS Route Network

Version-7
(ARN Version-7)
Progress Report

EUROCONTROL
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DOCUMENT CHARACTERISTICS
TITLE

ARN Version-7
Progress Report

Publications Reference:

Edition 1.0
Document Identifier
Number:
Edition Date: 06 December 2011

Abstract
The ARN Version-7 Progress Report provides an ovderview of the developments in airspace
design and utilisation resulting form the latest airspace design actions at European ATM network
and local level.

The ARN Version-7 contains more than 700 (seven hundred) packages of airspace proposals
scheduled for implementation for the Summer seasons 2011-2014. These proposals include more
than 2500 route changes, around 50 re-sectorisation projects and about 30 TMA projects. They
were or will be implemented as follows:

approx 200 proposals for the Summer season 2011

approx. 200 proposals for the Summer season 2012

approx. 240 proposals for the Summer season 2013

approx. 130 proposals for the Summer season 2014.

As from the full implementation of ARN Version-7 in 2014, flying distances would be reduced
by approximately 12 million NMs, this representing the equivalent of 72000 tons of fuel
saved, or reduced emissions of 240000 tons, or 60 million Euros. Already, at this stage
savings of more than 6 Million NMs have been achieved. The European ATS route network
became only 2.9% longer than the great circle distances (from TMA entry to TMA exit points) from
an airspace design point of view.
Keywords
Route Network Sectors Airspace Traffic flow/Traffic Demand

Contact Person(s) Tel Unit

Razvan Bucuroiu +32.2.7293648 Directorate Network Management
Operations Planning Unit
(DNM/COO/NOM/OPL)

STATUS, AUDIENCE AND ACCESSIBILITY

Status Intended for Accessible via
Working Draft  General Public  Intranet 
EATMP
Draft   Extranet 
Stakeholders
Proposed Restricted
  Internet ([Link]) 
Issue Audience
Released  Printed & electronic copies of the document can be obtained
Issue from the Publications Infocentre (see page iii)

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TABLE OF CONTENT
DOCUMENT CHARACTERISTICS............................................................................................ ii
TABLE OF CONTENT .............................................................................................................. iii
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY........................................................................................................... iv
ORGANISATION AND CONTENTS ......................................................................................... vi
1. CONSOLIDATED DEPLOYMENT OF EUROPEAN AIRSPACE IMPROVEMENTS.... 8
1.1. A COOPERATIVE NETWORK APPROACH................................................................. 8
2. ARN VERSION-7 BENEFITS ..................................................................................... 10
2.1. AIRSPACE DESIGN EXPECTED AND ACTUAL BENEFITS OF ARN VERSION-7 ... 10
2.2. FLIGHT PLANNING EFFECTS OF ARN VERSION-7 ................................................ 12
2.3. GROWING AMOUNT OF AIRSPACE CHANGES ...................................................... 13
2.4. CAPACITY ENHANCEMENT BENEFITS ARN VERSION-7....................................... 13
2.5. MAP OF ARN VERSION-7 ......................................................................................... 13
3. IMPLEMENTING THE AIRSPACE ACTION PLAN.................................................... 15
3.1. GENERAL .................................................................................................................. 15
3.2. AIRSPACE ACTION PLAN – ACTION 1..................................................................... 15
3.3. AIRSPACE ACTION PLAN – ACTION 2..................................................................... 15
3.4. AIRSPACE ACTION PLAN – ACTION 3..................................................................... 16
3.4.1. Most Penalised City Pairs ..................................................................................... 16
3.4.2. ASM Improvements............................................................................................... 16
3.4.3. Reduction of the number of RAD restrictions......................................................... 17
3.4.4. Improved airspace solutions for critical TMAs ....................................................... 17
3.5. AIRSPACE ACTION PLAN – ACTION 4..................................................................... 17
3.6. AIRSPACE ACTION PLAN – ACTION 5..................................................................... 17
4. IMPLEMENTING NEW AIRSPACE CONCEPTS – THE LAYERS............................. 23
4.1. ROUTE NETWORK.................................................................................................... 23
4.2. EUROPEAN NIGHT/WEEK-END DIRECT ROUTES NETWORK............................... 23
4.3. FREE ROUTE AIRSPACE.......................................................................................... 24
4.4. TMA PROJECTS........................................................................................................ 24
5. IMPLEMENTING THE FLIGHT EFFICIENCY PLAN .................................................. 26
5.1. THE FLIGHT EFFICIENCY PLAN .............................................................................. 26

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The ARN Version-7 Progress Report provides an ovderview of the developments in airspace
design and utilisation resulting form the latest airspace design actions at European ATM
network and local level.
The ARN Version-7 is developed and deployed through a co-operative and partnership
approach between States, ANSPs, airspace users, military auithorities and EUROCONTROL.
Its development and implementation was coordinated by the Route Network Development Sub-
Group (RNDSG). The RNDSG is the co-ordination forum for European rolling airspace design
and development, planning and implementation of improved European ATS route network,
optimised civil and military airspace structures and ATC sectors. The members of the RNDSG
work in a partnership approach and are civil and military experts in airspace design from
EUROCONTROL, the ECAC member States and their ANS providers, airspace users
international organisations, flight planner organisations and other relevant international
organisations.
The ARN Version-7 contains more than 700 (seven hundred) packages of airspace proposals
scheduled for implementation for the Summer seasons 2011-2014. These proposals include
more than 2500 route changes, around 50 re-sectorisation projects and about 30 TMA projects.
They were or will be implemented as follows:

approx 200 proposals for the Summer season 2011

approx. 200 proposals for the Summer season 2012

approx. 240 proposals for the Summer season 2013

approx. 130 proposals for the Summer season 2014.
The airspace improvement proposals range from minor ATS route alignments and designation
changes to major airspace re-organisation projects.
As from the full implementation of ARN Version-7 in 2014, flying distances would be
reduced by approximately 12 million NMs, this representing the equivalent of 72000 tons
of fuel saved, or reduced emissions of 240000 tons, or 60 million Euros.
Already, at this stage savings of more than 6 Million NMs have been achieved through
the deployment of ARN Version-7.
The European ATS route network became only 2.9% longer than the great circle distances
(from TMA entry to TMA exit points) from an airspace design point of view.
The ARN Version-7 includes the deployment of innovative concepts including a comprehensive
European night route network and deployment of Free Route Operations.

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ORGANISATION AND CONTENTS

This document comprises five Chapters.

Structure of the Document

Chapter 1 Provides an overview of the consolidated European approach to airspace design
Chapter 2 Provides an overview of ARN Version-7 benefits.
Chapter 3 Describes the implementation of the Airspace Action Plan
Chapter 4 Describes the implementation of new airspace concepts through ARN Version-7
Chapter 5 Provides an overview of the Flight Efficiency Plan

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1. CONSOLIDATED DEPLOYMENT OF EUROPEAN AIRSPACE

IMPROVEMENTS
1.1. A COOPERATIVE NETWORK APPROACH

The ARN Version-7 represents effective means for fulfilling the Network Management
European Route Network Design Function, for the implementation of the actions agreed by the
EUROCONTROL Provisional Council in the Airspace Action Plan and between IATA, CANSO
and EUROCONTROL through the Flight Efficiency Plan.
Within this defined framework and within the entire ECAC airspace along with the airspace of
participating non-ECAC States, the ARN Version-7 combines airspace design proposals and
specific elements derived from the AAS aimed for implementation over the period 2011-2014.
The full development phase including the validation covers the period from October 2009 until
Autumn 2012. The implementation started with some early projects during the winter 2010/2011
and continues in stages until Autumn 2014.
The ARN Version-7 is developed and deployed through a co-operative and partnership
approach facilitated in the context of the Route Network Development Sub-Group (RNDSG).
The RNDSG is the co-ordination forum for European airspace design and development,
planning and implementation of improved European ATS route network, optimised civil and
military airspace structures and ATC sectors. The members of the RNDSG work in a
partnership approach, through civil and military experts in airspace design from
EUROCONTROL, the ECAC member States and their ANS providers, airspace users
organisations, flight planner organisations and other relevant international organisations.

The development and deployment of the European ARN Version-7 is achieved through:
o The implementation of an advanced concept of operations, including Free Route
Operations
o A pan-European view treating the European airspace as a continuum and a strategic
vision of the European ATS Route Network, designed following main traffic flows and
airspace users preferred routes and profiles with optimised supporting ATC sectors
unconstrained by national or FIR boundaries
o Gradual elimination of bottlenecks and reasons for flight inefficiency
o Optimised procedures for an enhanced use of airspace
o A balanced approach between European network, regional and local requirements
o A co-ordinated and integrated partnership approach for the collective benefit of airspace
users, Member States, Air Navigation Service Providers, civil and military authorities
deployed through a collaborative planning process.

The ARN Version-7 includes details on:

• ATS route network developments;
• Re-sectorisation actions;
• Actions aimed at simplifying the usage of the ATS route network;
• Enhanced consistency of CDR applicability;
• Deployment of the night route network;
• Implementation of free-route like projects.

The ARN Version-7 is derived from the following sources:

• AAS route network;
• Additional proposals covering a cohesive development of the European ATS route
network;
• Solutions developed inside various FAB initiatives;
• Proposals originating at national or sub-regional level;
• Aircraft operators proposals.

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The diagram below describes the European airspace design process applied for the
development and deployment of ARN Version-7:

WORK PROGRAMME OF RNDSG 2010-

2010-14

AIRSPACE STRATEGY
C
O Terminal Routes ATC ATS Routes Airspace Network
N
& Structures Sectors Other Management
C
E Structures
P
T

.. ... . . . AAS ROUTE NETWORK ...

MEDIUM TERM - List B

D ARN VERSION 7 DEVELOPMENT & VALIDATION
E
V
E
L
O
P
ARN VERSION 7 PRINCIPLE AGREEMENT FOR IMPLEMENTATION

ARN VERSION 8 DEVELOPMENT

& VALIDATION ...
Spring Autumn Jan Autumn
2011 2012 2013 2014
I
M
SHORT TERM - List A: AGREED FOR IMPLEMENTATION
P
L List A 2011 List A 2012 List A 2013 List A 2014 List “A”2015
E
M • Impl Autumn 2010 • Impl Autumn 2011 • Impl Autumn 2012 • Impl Autumn 2013 • Impl Autumn
E (V6 Ph 7) (V7 Ph 2) (V7 Ph 4) (V7 Ph 6) 2014
N • Impl Spring 2011 • Impl Spring 2012 • Impl Spring 2013 • Impl Spring 2014 (V7 Ph 8)
T
(V7 Ph 1) (V7 Ph 3) (V7 Ph 5) (V7 Ph 7)

Summer 2010 Summer 2011 Summer 2012 Summer 2013 Summer 2014

EUROCONTROL

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2. ARN VERSION-7 BENEFITS

2.1. AIRSPACE DESIGN EXPECTED AND ACTUAL BENEFITS OF ARN VERSION-7

The implementation of ARN Version-7 has the potential to significantly improve flight efficiency if
all projects are fully implemented. Between Autumn 2010 – end of 2014, flight efficiency is
expected to improve by at least 10%. The route extension due to airspace design (if all flights
would have used the route network without any route restrictions and with all CDRs permanently
available) is expected to decrease from 3.13% in September 2010 to 2.90% by the end of 2014.
The graph below shows the expected evolution of the airspace design flight efficiency indicator
between Autumn 2010 – end 2014 in terms of extension compared to the great circle.

Route Efficiency KPI per AIRAC cycle

4.00%

3.65%
Jan 2008 3.40%
Sep 2009
Route Extension

3.50%

3.13%
Sep 2010 RTE-DES

3.00%
2.9%
by 2014

2008 2009 2010

2.50%
303
304
305
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AIRAC

The graph below shows the actual evolution of the airspace design flight efficiency indicator
between Autumn 2010 – end 2012 in terms of extension compared to the great circle.
RTE-DES
Route Efficiency KPI per AIRAC cycle

4.0% 1
2011
2007

2008

2009

2010

0.9
3.65%
Jan 2008 0.8

3.40%
Route Extension

Sept 2009 0.7

3.5%
0.6
3.13%
Sept 2010
0.5
3.02%
Nov 2011 0.4

3.0%
0.3

0.2

0.1

2.5% 0
303
304
305
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353

AIRAC

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As from the full implementation of ARN Version-7 in 2014, flying distances would be
reduced by approximately 12 million NMs, this representing the equivalent of 72000 tons
of fuel saved, or reduced emissions of 240000 tons, or 60 million Euros.

To date, as a result of the ARN Version-7 improvements, the route extension due to airspace
design reduced from 3.40% in September 2010 to 3.02% in November 2011.

The graph below shows the yearly savings and the relationship with the mileage flown over the
past 4 years.

Savings
Yearly NM Savings and Mileage Flown (NM)
Airspace Design
Mileage
8000000 150000000 flown
6900000 (NM)
7000000

6000000 140000000
4800000

Mileage flown
5000000
Savings

4000000
4000000 130000000
3000000
3000000

2000000 120000000

1000000

0 110000000
2008 2009 2010 2011
Year

The graph below shows the evolution of the yearly average route extension due to airspace
design over the past four years.

RTE-DES
6%

5%

4% 3.53% 3.54% 3.45% 3.22% 3.05%

3%

2%
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

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2.2. FLIGHT PLANNING EFFECTS OF ARN VERSION-7

The graph below shows the actual evolution of the flight planning flight efficiency indicator
between Autumn 2010 – end 2012 in terms of extension compared to the great circle.

RTE-FPL
Route Efficiency KPI per AIRAC cycle

5.5% 5.16%
1

2011
2007

2008

2009

2010
Jan 2008 4.80% 4.78% 4.64%
0.9
Sept 2009 Sept 2010 Nov 2011
5.0%
0.8
Route Extension

0.7
4.5%
0.6

4.0% 0.5

0.4

3.5%
0.3

0.2
3.0%
0.1

2.5% 0
303
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353
AIRAC

As a result of airspace design and utilisation, the route extension based on the latest filed flight
plan reduced from 5.16% in January 2008 to 4.64% in November 2011.

The graph below shows the yearly evolution of the flight planning and the relationship with the
mileage flown. It is a clear indication that in 2008, 2009 and 2011 the savings have increased
while the mileage flown has decreased as a result of the reduction in traffic.

Savings
Yearly NM Savings and Mileage Flown (NM)
Flight Planning
Mileage
8000000 150000000 flown
6200000 (NM)
6000000 130000000
4600000
4000000
3000000 110000000

2000000
Mileage flown

90000000
Savings

0
2008 2009 2010 2011 70000000
-2000000

50000000
-4000000

-6000000 30000000
-5700000

-8000000 10000000
Year

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The graph below shows the evolution of the yearly average route extension based on the last
filed flight plan over the past four years.

RTE-FPL
6%
4.91% 5.03% 4.90% 4.91%
5%
4.74%

4%

3%

2%
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

2.3. GROWING AMOUNT OF AIRSPACE CHANGES

The ARN Version-7 contains, at this stage, 770 (seven hundred and seventy) packages of
airspace proposals scheduled for implementation for the Summer seasons 2011-2014. These
proposals include more than 2500 route changes, around 50 re-sectorisation projects and about
30 TMA projects. They were or will be implemented as follows:

approx 200 proposals for the Summer season 2011

approx. 200 proposals for the Summer season 2012

approx. 240 proposals for the Summer season 2013

approx. 130 proposals for the Summer season 2014.

The number of airspace changes is increasing year after year and is reaching a constant
number of about 200 airspace change packages, almost the double compared to the years
2005-2007.

2.4. CAPACITY ENHANCEMENT BENEFITS ARN VERSION-7

The ARN Version-7 contains approximately 50 re-sectorisation projects in addition to route

network solutions that are aiming at reducing the complexity of the airspace structure. Based
on fast time simulations of a number of projects, it is expected that the ARN Version-7 would
bring an additional 8-10% capacity to the European ATM network when fully implemented.

2.5. MAP OF ARN VERSION-7

The map below indicates a snapshot of the airspace structure expected to be in place at the
end of the implementation of ARN Version-7 (end of 2014) together with the traffic load based
on current traffic.

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3. IMPLEMENTING THE AIRSPACE ACTION PLAN

3.1. GENERAL

The development and implementation of the ARN V-7 represent effective means for the
implementation of the actions agreed by the EUROCONTROL Provisional Council in the
Airspace Action Plan. These actions are:
Action 1
o Develop, maintain and gradually implement the AAS Route Network between 2008-
2015
Action 3
o Enhance flight efficiency through:
i. Examination of reasons and identification of solutions for the top 50 city
pairs with the highest total route extension (2007-2008)
ii. Gradual implementation of the existing 19 flight efficiency scenarios (2008-
2009) and identification of potential additional scenarios;
iii. Reduction of the number of RAD restrictions by 10% initially for 2008
iv. Identification and implementation of improved airspace solutions for 10
critical TMAs (2008-2010)
Action 4
o Develop and implement enhanced ASM/FUA processes in line with the DMEAN
Conops (2008-2011)
Action 5
o Support airspace developments in the context of the FAB initiatives, ensure
network connectivity and a continuous cross-fertilisation with the AAS Route
Network and successive ARN Versions (2008-2015)

3.2. AIRSPACE ACTION PLAN – ACTION 1

While the ARN Version-6 represented the first phase of the deployment of the AAS route
network, the ARN Version-7 brings closer the European route network to the AAS aims and
concept of operations. The ARN Version-7 includes more plans that were part of the AAS as
they are now gradually materialising through the cooperative efforts between network, FABs
and ANSPs actions.
Projects that were originally contained in the “Catalogue of Long Term Projects” are now part of
the ARN Version-7. Additional projects are added to this Catalogue resulting from longer term
development actions. The “Long Term Catalogue of Projects” will continuously provide an
inventory of future projects and will help in identifying the required work for the deployment of
these projects and the synchronization between them.

3.3. AIRSPACE ACTION PLAN – ACTION 2

The main projects related to Action 3 were already developed and implemented as part of the
ARN Version-6. Nevertheless, additional actions continue to be required to address the
efficiency improvements that were included in this action. Their development and deployment
will continue as part of the ARN Version-7.

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3.4. AIRSPACE ACTION PLAN – ACTION 3

3.4.1. Most Penalised City Pairs

The RNDSG developed a list of more than 80 proposals related to unnecessary RAD
restrictions that could be sorted out through airspace design solutions. In order to resolve the
A constant review of the Top 50 most penalised city pairs is performed to continuously identify
solutions for improvement. These solutions will not only cover the Top 50 city pairs, but they will
serve a much larger amount of flows that would benefit from the improvements foreseen. Some
concrete examples of improvements for the Top 50 most penalised city pairs that are included
now in the ARN Version-7 are depicted below.
A calculation of all flights benefiting from the improvements implemented indicates a
saving of more than 17 000 NM based on real traffic data during week 27 June-3 July
2011.

3.4.2. ASM Improvements

The ASM solutions are particularly important in the context of the ARN V7 that will include
further solutions for the most penalised city pairs, the further deployment of the European night
direct route network, solutions offering to the airspace users several routing options, etc.
Before After

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3.4.3. Reduction of the number of RAD restrictions

One of the five actions included in the Flight Efficiency Plan is to gradually apply route
availability restrictions only where and when required. In response a verification of the current
route network utilisation restrictions was undertaken by the RNDSG and, whenever possible, an
elimination of these restrictions will be performed.
A number of RAD restrictions have successfully been tackled and clear flight efficiency
improvements achieved impacting Hungary, Serbia and Turkey with no impact on safety or on
capacity.
An elimination of further restrictions impacting Czech Republic, France, Germany, Malta,
Netherland, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, and Turkey is planned until 2014. There is a clear need
for a deeper review of the RAD restrictions with the participation of all the interested parties.

3.4.4. Improved airspace solutions for critical TMAs

Improved Terminal Airspace design projects were already implemented or will be implemented
in the context of the ARN Version 7 at Arad/Timisoara common TMA, Barcelona, Batumi,
Beograd, Berlin, Bucuresti, Canarias Islands TMAs, Constanta, Dublin, Farris, Frankfurt, Kjevik,
Kyiv, Larnaca, London, Manchester, Munich, Oslo, Paris, Roma, Sofia/ Plovdiv/ Graf Ignatievo
Common Terminal Airspace System, Stavanger and Bodo AoR, Tiblisi and Varna/ Burgas
Common Terminal Airspace System.

3.5. AIRSPACE ACTION PLAN – ACTION 4

The ARN Version-7 includes many examples of proposals were civil/military airspace structures
and procedures were or will be implemented. Improved exploitation of the airspace structures
through the introduction of concepts for dynamic airspace management will have a direct and
positive effect on ASM and ATFCM.

3.6. AIRSPACE ACTION PLAN – ACTION 5

The ARN Version-7 represents the effective implementation of the Action 5. The ARN Version-
7 effectively supports airspace developments in the context of the FAB initiatives, ensures
network connectivity and a continuous cross-fertilisation with the AAS Route Network. In
addition it fulfils the requirement to derive successive ARN Versions from the AAS as it
represents the snapshot of the AAS that includes all airspace projects to be deployed during the
period 2011-2014.
Many States and ANSPs already included in the ARN Version-7 airspace improvements that
came as a result of the Functional Airspace Blocks (FAB) initiatives. These airspace
improvements have been discussed at network level, consolidated and included in the overall
network picture. The ARN Version-7 is fulfilling the requirement to ensure that FAB airspace
developments are consistent with the European route network.
This consolidated view responds to the Single European Sky requirements for the FABs: to
enable optimum use of airspace, taking into account traffic flows and to ensure consistency with
the European route network.

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The following approach was taken with the FABs in the context of the ARN Version-7:

• FAB Europe Central (FABEC)

A very close cooperation was established through the technical and operational support
provided to the FABEC airspace design working groups. A large number of projects were
developed covering various parts of the FABEC airspace and consolidation of individual
projects, overall FAB view and overall European network view and integration was
ensured. All the projects scheduled for deployment over the period 2011-2014 are now
included in the ARN Version-7. These include, amongst other things, the deployment of
the new concept of night direct routes.

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• Blue Med FAB

A catalogue of airspace projects was finalised with the Blue Med FAB containing a large
number of airspace design proposals that are within the scope of ARN Version-7. The
RNDSG Secretariat provided support in the development of this catalogue and in the
assessment of the benefits of the proposals made. A network integration of all the
projects scheduled for deployment over the period 2011-2014 was ensured through the
ARN Version-7. The deployment of the new concept of night direct routes within the Blue
Med FAB forms part of the ARN Version-7.

• FAB Central Europe (FAB CE)

All the projects aimed at being deployed during the period 2011-2014 within the
geographical area of the FAB CE are now included as FAB CE contributions to the ARN
Version 7. Full network consistency was ensured. A proposal on the future evolution of
the European night direct routes network in the FABCE airspace is part of ARN Version-7,
as well as the implementation of night Free Route operations in Prague FIR.

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• UK-Ireland FAB
All the projects aimed at being deployed during the period 2011-2014 within the
geographical area of the UK-Ireland FAB are now included as FAB contributions to the
ARN Version 7. Full network consistency was ensured. Appropriate links were ensured
to provide good interconnectivity with similar initiatives in the FABEC or to other adjacent
airspace.

• Danube FAB
A good cooperation process was established with the Danube FAB on airspace design
aspects with the clear understanding that the work with the involved states forms part of
the overall European network airspace design process. A catalogue of proposals was
developed containing a large number of airspace design proposals covering the short,
medium and long term. These proposals took into account the overall European ATS
route network evolution but also the implementation of more advanced concepts (Free
Route or Free Route-like). A complete integration of these projects within the ARN
Version-7 was ensured.

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• North European (NE) FAB

A good cooperation process was put in place between the NE FAB and the RNDSG
Secretariat for the introduction of the related projects within the ARN Version-7 and for
ensuring the overall network consistency. The main aspects addressed were related to
the implementation of Free Route operations.

• Denmark/Sweden FAB
The main contributions of the Denmark/Sweden FAB to the ARN Version-7 are related to
the harmonised deployment of Free Route Operations. In addition, network consistency
was ensured at the interface with other FABs through the development of a number of
interface projects that ensured an overall network consistency. These projects came as a
result of the overall network coordination process.

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• Baltic FAB
The contributions of the Baltic FAB to the ARN Version-7 are related to the overall
development of a new airspace structure for the Polish airspace, as part of the European
airspace network developments, and to the development of more efficient connections
within the Lithuanian airspace with the overall route network. The deployment of these
projects will ensure enhanced capacity and flight efficiency performance in the Baltic FAB.

• South West Portugal Spain FAB

The airspace design projects related to the South West Portugal Spain FAB contributions
to the ARN Version-7 are related to the overall development of new airspace projects
within Spain. The implementation of Free Route Operations within the entire Portuguese
airspace completed the overall improvements of the airspace structure in Portugal.
Further developments in Portugal could be expected in terms of sectorisation, depending
on the evolution of the traffic demand.

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4. IMPLEMENTING NEW AIRSPACE CONCEPTS – THE LAYERS

The ARN Version-7 is an integral package of airspace design and utilisation solutions. It was
built on the development of new concepts that were transposed in several layers of airspace
developments. These layers are properly interconnected at network level to ensure an
appropriate and cohesive airspace utilisation:
• between various concepts
• over a 24-hours period, and
• over various period of the week or of the year.
The further development of the concept of airspace configurations at network level will ensure
an enhanced utilisation of these various layers at local, sub-regional, FAB and network levels.

4.1. ROUTE NETWORK

The map below is showing the layer of new ATS route segments that will be added to the
European ATS Route Network through the ARN Version 7.

4.2. EUROPEAN NIGHT/WEEK-END DIRECT ROUTES NETWORK

The map below is showing the layer of new night/week-end direct ATS route segments that will
be added to the European ATS Route Network through the ARN Version 7.

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4.3. FREE ROUTE AIRSPACE

The map below is showing the layer containing the implementation of Free Route Airspace
initiatives that are currently included in the ARN Version-7. This layer is supported by an initial
network operational concept for Free Route Airspace Operations.

4.4. TMA PROJECTS

The map below is showing the layer containing the implementation of TMA re-design projects
currently under development and included in the ARN Version-7.

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25 European ARN V-7 Progress Report Edition No 1.0

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5. IMPLEMENTING THE FLIGHT EFFICIENCY PLAN

5.1. THE FLIGHT EFFICIENCY PLAN

IATA, CANSO and EUROCONTROL worked in a close partnership along with airlines, airports
and ANSPs to identify solutions and launch operational actions that lead to fuel and emissions
savings. The Flight Efficiency Plan was commonly agreed in September 2008.
The ARN Version 7 contributed fully to the deployment of the Flight Efficiency Plan. Since its
adoption, in September 2008, in terms of airspace design efficiency (if all flights would have
used the route network without any route restrictions and with all CDRs permanently available),
the route extension decreased from 3.65% to 3.02%, i.e. an improvement of 17% over 4
years.
As described in this report the ARN Version-6 contributed to all the main points of the Flight
Efficiency Plan:
1. Enhancing European en-route airspace design through annual improvements
of European ATS route network, high priority being given to:
 Implementation of a coherent package of annual improvements and of shorter routes;
 Improving efficiency for the most penalised city pairs;
 Implementation of additional Conditional Routes for main traffic flows;
 Supporting initial implementation of free route airspace.
2. Improving airspace utilisation and route network availability through:
 Actively support and involve aircraft operators and the computer flight plan service
providers in flight plan quality improvements;
 Gradually applying route availability restrictions only where and when required;
 Improving the utilisation of civil/military airspace structures.
3. Efficient TMA design and utilisation through:
 Implementing advanced navigation capabilities;
 Implementing Continuous Descent Approaches (CDAs), improved arrival/departure
routes, optimised departure profiles, etc.
5. Improving awareness of performance

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© December 2011 - European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation (EUROCONTROL)

This document is published by EUROCONTROL for information purposes. It may be copied in

whole or in part, provided that EUROCONTROL is mentioned as the source and it is not used for
commercial purposes (i.e. for financial gain). The information in this document may not be modi-
fied without prior written permission from EUROCONTROL.

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