FF‑ICE for Operators: What You Need to Know About Flight Plan Filing Changes in Europe – The European aviation landscape is undergoing a significant evolution in flight plan filing, transitioning from the long-standing ICAO FPL‑2012 format to the more modern Flight and Flow Information for a Collaborative Environment (FF‑ICE). This post breaks down the mandate, timeline, benefits, and what operators must know to stay compliant and ahead of the curve.
What Is FF‑ICE?
FF‑ICE (Flight & Flow Information for a Collaborative Environment) is an ICAO-led initiative that will modernize flight plan filing and pre-departure data exchange.
Release 1 (R1), will focus on the pre-departure phase and introduce services that facilitate filing, updates, cancellations, and advanced data exchange using the FIXM model, including:
- Filing Service (mandatory filing of eFPLs)
- Trial Service (optional simulations)
- Flight Data Request, Data Publication, and Notification Services
When does it come into effect?
Per EU Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/116 (Common Project 1), FF‑ICE/R1 deployment is mandatory for airspace users, ANSPs, and the Network Manager within EU Member States, Switzerland, Norway, and key oceanic transition areas, effective 31 December 2025.
Mandated services must be consumed via Eurocontrol’s NM B2B infrastructure:
- eFPL filing, update, cancellation through the Filing Service
- Retrieval of filing responses via NM B2B Filing Service and Publish/Subscribe services
What are the key changes for operators?
- Enhanced Trajectory Data
Operators must include detailed trajectory and performance information, enabling earlier routing optimization by NM and ANSPs.
- Pre‑Departure Testing (Trial Service)
Operators can test alternative trajectories before filing official plans—helpful for validation while minimizing risks.
- Mixed‑Mode Filing Period
A transition phase allows for coexistence of FPL‑2012 and FF‑ICE flight plans. EUROCONTROL will offer translation services where FF‑ICE is not yet fully implemented.
What are the benefits?
- Optimized System Efficiency
Better trajectory alignment leads to reduced complexity and resource use.
- Trajectory-Based Operations Enablement
This lays the groundwork for future TBO capabilities like dynamic trajectory adjustments.
- Greater Predictability and Flexibility
Operators benefit from early guidance and trial validation, helping as planning becomes more agile.
The FF‑ICE mandatory services will be effective on December 31 and fully operational in 2026. Most operators will not need to take any action, as flight planning system providers will update their systems accordingly.
For the latest updates on FF‑ICE, visit UAS Blog
For support with your flight operations in Europe, contact UAS
