Memo: Volcanic ash disruption: one year on and crisis preparedness

One year after the Eyjafjallajökull eruption in April 2010, a wide range of follow up measures have been taken – as agreed by ministers at the Transport Council of 4 May 2010 on the basis of proposals by the Commission – at international, EU and national level to improve crisis preparedness in aviation, particularly in relation to volcanic ash.

The European Commission, Eurocontrol and the European Aviation Safety Agency will participate in the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) simulation exercise on 13-14 April 2011 to test the effectiveness of the changes to the ICAO volcanic ash contingency plan for Europe and procedures. The Commission, based on the results of the simulation as well as its assessment of progress to date, will report back Transport Ministers in June.

• Primary Source

Der Spiegel, 15.4.11: Heavy cloud forecast for Europe's single sky (via PressEurop) http://www.presseurop.eu/en/content/article/602251-heavy-cloud-forecast-europes-single-sky

ESO: Background information: Brussels cool on volcanic ash aid for airlines http://www.europeansources.info/record/brussels-cool-on-volcanic-ash-aid-for-airlines/

EASA: Press Release, 12.4.11: Volcanic ash crisis exercise to test new procedures http://www.easa.europa.eu/communications/press-releases/PRen12042011.html

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