1. Volcanic Ash Best Practice Seminar
13th-14th February 2012
Montreal, Canada.
Atholl Buchan, IATA Flight Operations

2. User Expectations
Harmonized, Transparent and understood VAAC Operational procedures
With specific emphasis on;
Access and utilization of observational data
Sharing of information that may be useful to other affected VAACs
Process of monitoring satellite information and other alternative methods
Common approach and interpretation of dispersion model outputs and observational data including where inconsistencies exists or no observational data are available.
Harmonized VAAC Outputs
Standard VAA/VAG output that compliments airline risk assessment principles
Introduce concept of Level of confidence for both observed VAA/G and structured forecast narrative.(Information Paper (IP1) has been provided)
VAA in 4D format to support Flight planning requirements(See IP2)
In the recent past, there have been major crisis relating to significant weather. This has resulted to major losses and cancellations of flights.
During this event it has been evident that lack of coordination, better tools to forecast weather, and agreed safety thresholds can be costly to airlines and industry at large.
This slide gives a summary of the impact that these events have had in airline operations.

3. User Expectations
Development of Performance Metrics against which VAAC’s adherence to Best practice will be measured
May be developed at a later stage
IATA will be happy to provide necessary inputs
Collaboration and coordination
Introduce concept of collaborative forecasting
Effective coordination between the affected VAACs.
Proactive and collaborative interactive processes implemented with Volcano Observatories  
In the recent past, there have been major crisis relating to significant weather. This has resulted to major losses and cancellations of flights.
During this event it has been evident that lack of coordination, better tools to forecast weather, and agreed safety thresholds can be costly to airlines and industry at large.
This slide gives a summary of the impact that these events have had in airline operations.

4. User Expectations Improving VAACs capabilities Others
A documented science and operational development strategy based on project principles.
Continuous transparency on the delivery status of initiatives and increases in capability at each VAAC.
Preferably have a common website which contains the VAACs capabilities and future plans.
Others
Unambiguous definitions and terminology
Transparency on cost recovery by VAACs
In the recent past, there have been major crisis relating to significant weather. This has resulted to major losses and cancellations of flights.
During this event it has been evident that lack of coordination, better tools to forecast weather, and agreed safety thresholds can be costly to airlines and industry at large.
This slide gives a summary of the impact that these events have had in airline operations.

5. Questions?