Lessons from the Ash Cloud

Over the last week the ash cloud – and our associated nightmares – returned, once again focusing media attention on the alleged lack of coordination with Europe on this issue, as well as the lack of robust data on the safe levels of ash. The timing of all this was appropriate because on 17th May we had an intensive discussion on the volcanic ash issue at a special meeting of the CANSO European Coordination Meeting.

The CECM agreed that the main lessons which emerged from this situation were the lack of:

• Harmonised procedures for airspace closure and re-opening
• Accurate data: weather and ash cloud concentration/distribution
• Standardised criteria for engine and aircraft limitations in ash clouds
• Leadership for crisis management Europe

This crisis has also shown the importance of clearly differentiating between the national responsibilities and effects and the EU-wide responsibilities and effects.

Several of our members said that they strongly disagree with criticism from customer representatives (such as IATA) stating that the crisis coordination on a national level did not work well.

Many members underlined that national coordination had been swiftly organised and effective. On the other hand there was definitely no overarching EU-wide coordination or leadership - a result of the political and institutional situation in Europe. Therefore, comparing Europe with the US in such a case is not really appropriate. The EC has taken this on board and wants to accelerate the SESII implementation.

The ICAO document on ash clouds was not sufficiently worked out in several crucial details and therefore it was interpreted different by different States. In order to be on the safe side States decided on operational matters, which caused the total disruption of the air traffic over Europe for several days. It seems that under pressure they did not listen enough to the experts. In addition the lack of useful data on ash cloud concentration and on acceptable levels for aircraft and engine operations did not help either.

The CECM discussed a number of recommendations and future actions and I will comment on these in my next blog. In the meantime, I hope that none of you finds yourself inconvenienced by this volcano and its related effects.

The positive thing with this crisis is that it has clearly demonstrated the essential part aviation plays in the life of the European citizens.

As such I hope that finally it is recognised that aviation is not a luxury way of travelling anymore, but an integral element of the European transport network, together with other modes of transport. As of this aviation deserves the same recognition and support from the political decision makers in the European Member States as all other modes of transport. Only this will allow us then to achieve an effective, efficient, safe and sustainable European Transport Network.