The Air Force and ENAV have signed an agreement for the coordination and management of emergencies that preclude airspace. The document, signed by Air Squadrone Generale Carlo Magrassi, Deputy Commander of Air Squadrone Command, and Giovanni Torre, head of ENAV's “Functional Air Block BLUE MED” Project, provides for a synergistic effort in order to improve civil and military collaboration in the various activities connected to air traffic services.
One of the main experiences gained during the recent Libyan crisis, in fact, is the need for tools that allow for the optimised conduct of operations in localised areas in complete harmony with general air traffic, minimising the impact that such crises can have on the latter.
On the occasion of the document's signing, General Magrassi stated that “The initiative aims to analyse the existing capabilities at Poggio Renatico (FE), where the national Air Operations Command and the NATO one (CAOC) operate, to verify opportunities for expanding these dialogue and cooperation capabilities in a broader and synergistic vision, capable of integrating the availabilities of existing simulation or prototype structures in our Nation.”.
In particular, the Air Force and ENAV have committed to studying the creation of a joint body which, extending beyond purely military operations, would come into effect when, for exceptional reasons, the use of airspace has to be restricted, such as during earthquakes, international events of particular significance, or due to the presence of volcanic ash in the air.“All this with the aim of ensuring ENAV's full contribution to the efficiency of the national transport system.”, Torre clarified, also emphasising how it had been carried out “a clear step forward in identifying, facilitating and supporting, possibly also in close coordination and cooperation with other significant domains and institutions at national level, every plausible and convenient synergy”.
In this regard, the Air Operations Command of the Air Force in Poggio Renatico has been evaluated as a possible location for a centre of excellence and experimentation for the definition of a tool that allows, initially at a national level, systemic support for the coordination and management of crisis or emergency situations, both civil and military, in full harmony and synergy between the various stakeholders involved and minimising costs and operational impact on the needs of general air traffic.
