2006 FIFA World Cup Germany - CFMU - Eurocontrol

Some views from the operational specialists dealing
with Special Events in CFMU/OPSD
Keith Crawford (ATFCM Expert – Operations Support) and Philippe Lenne (Flight
Planning & Operations Specialist) were closely involved with the planning,
coordination and follow-up of the CFMU participation, together with the various
teams on duty.
Thanks to a combined effort, the CFMU contributes to the optimisation of the
ATFCM for the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany.
Keith, Philippe, it seems a quite challenging task to coordinate the CFMU
measures for this important Special Event. Which message would you like
to give to our ATFCM partners? What can we learn in order to further
develop the most efficient measures to assure safety, capacity and
punctuality?
The very essential point is close collaboration. Establishing in-depth communication
between the partners and sharing of information is essential for the success of the
handling of this increase in air traffic demand. It is like a kind of family.
There is no clear defined process and for each event an efficient way forward needs
to be elaborated according to the specificities of the event. Also awareness to
other’s situations with an ability to adapt as well as a strong availability are key
elements in these relationships.
Following our experience in the field, after so many events we have dealt with, it is
important to start early enough with the preparations, having a working model with
prior preparatory meetings, and elaboration of a timely documentation. With feet
on the ground and with well established professional contacts.
From our side, we experience that often we have to work as a facilitator of
communication and to bring in the neighbours. We had FMP meetings in March, the
Summer Briefing for AOs & FMPs in April, the preparatory meeting in Langen in the
month of May with all German and adjacent FMPs involved. Now we have the four
special e-conferences linked with the key moments during the World Cup and of
course the daily NMC briefings. In the end all effort contributes to the success.
Both Philippe and I are working in a complementary way, on ATFCM and on Flight
Planning. We will reinforce this for the future in order to cover the various issues
behind each event.