What attracted you to MUAC?

The Maastricht Upper Area Control Centre (MUAC) has, over the past 52 years, consistently demonstrated a commitment to safety, operational efficiency and innovation. It is well known in the industry as a centre for excellence and as an air navigation service provider (ANSP) that continually delivers high performance with a lean and highly skilled workforce. I have closely followed the pioneering work of the centre throughout my career, so taking up the role as director of MUAC was an honour.

Peggy Devestel, MUAC

Peggy Devestel’s aviation career spans more than three decades

How will your past experience help you in your new role?

Spending the first 16 years of my career holding various positions as an air traffic controller (ATCO) provided me with a strong operational foundation. This hands-on experience was in-valuable when I transitioned into senior management roles as it equipped me with the practical knowledge and skills necessary to make informed decisions, operate in high-pressure environments and lead effectively.

During my time in senior management positions, including most recently as chief operations officer (COO) of Belgian ANSP skeyes, I was able to apply my experience to initiatives that focused on driving innovation, efficiency, and strategic growth.

When I look back on my career, each stage has given me the opportunity to develop a skillset and leadership style that blends operational expertise with a strategic approach. It is this experience that also allows me to work collaboratively with and get the best from a diverse workforce. I look forward to drawing upon this experience in my new role here at MUAC.

This organisation is a beacon of excellence for air traffic management in Europe

Peggy Devestel

What are your priorities at MUAC?

The impression I had formulated prior to joining MUAC holds true today: this organisation is a beacon of excellence for air traffic management in Europe, continually challenging the status quo with its innovative spirit and focus on high performance. It is a leading ANSP and a great place to work.

We have many priorities. They include maintaining the highest standards of safety, identifying areas to enhance operational efficiency, strengthening collaboration with our partners, and developing and implementing new technologies. In addition, further identifying and leading initiatives that seek to reduce aviation’s impact on the environment is very high on our agenda.

MUAC staff

MUAC manages the upper airspace over Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and north-west Germany

What can you tell me about MUAC’s environmental initiatives?

There are many initiatives underway as part of our commitment to support European aviation’s sustainability targets. One example is the pioneering work we are doing to understand the impact of contrails. Following an operational contrail prevention trial in 2021, which produced promising initial results, we have partnered with Google to utilise satellite imagery and AI (artificial intelligence) to predict regions where contrails may develop. This then al-lows us to provide tactical clearances for contrail mitigation. This partnership will continue for the remainder of the year and into 2025.

A further example is our ATM Portal Pre-Flight Check which assesses flight plans filed by the airline operators and sends a pre-flight re-route proposal if a more efficient route can be identified. This leads to fuel savings, which in turn, result in a reduction in emissions.

 

How can MUAC’s cross-border expertise be transferred to other ANSPs?

MUAC operates on behalf of four states (Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg and The Netherlands) in a dense and complex airspace that was designed according to the traffic flows. The centre has proven that cross-border service provision works and delivers operational performance benefits.

We are actively engaging with the EUROCONTROL Network Manager (NM) and other ANSPs to share best practice and develop new concepts. Examples include air traffic capacity and flow management tools, that look beyond national borders, and cross-border Free Route Airspace.

MUAC ATC tower

MUAC is the only cross-border civil-military ANSP in Europe

Civilian and military co-operation continues to grow. How can ANSPs enhance it?

MUAC is a cross-border civil-military ANSP and, as such, we have developed very close working relationships with our military partners. There is a balance to be found between the needs of the military community and the high civil traffic demand. Through close engagement, detailed information sharing and programmes such as advanced flexible use of airspace, MUAC has established itself as a trusted, impartial partner. The key to success is optimising the needs of both civil and military airspace users.

 

What are you most excited about for 2025?

There is much to look forward to in the year ahead. We will exceed pre-COVID traffic figures, a landmark milestone, and we will continue to identify opportunities with NM and our neighbouring ANSPs to improve the overall performance of the network. There are many other initiatives in the pipeline for 2025.

MUAC interior

EUROCONTROL has 41 member states within Europe and comprehensive agreements with two states outside Europe