Reliability and Payload: Queenstown

Aerial view of Queenstown airport.
Problem   Multiple factors reduced the profitability of Qantas’ operations into Queenstown. Terrain and poor weather caused frequent cancellations and diversions. Three pilots were required to operate aircraft normally operated by two, the third being necessary to assist with navigation in the event of a non-normal departure. 40 seats had to remain empty to meet climb performance requirements for non-normal departures.   The disruptions, revenue-inhibiting 40 empty seats and extra costs were all combining to raise doubts about the business viability of Queenstown operations.
Solution   For the Qantas 737-800 fleet, Naverus Tailored RNP approaches were developed with decision altitudes (DAs) as low as 250 feet—a huge improvement over the prior procedures which had minima of 3,000 feet or more—greatly improving schedule reliability. On departure, RNP leads aircraft around obstacles instead of having to climb over them. Using Tailored RNP, Qantas 737s were able to depart full payloads, eliminating costly refueling stops and permitting the sale of more tickets.   The RNP departure procedures were developed with non-normal contingencies built-in. In the event of a non-normal departure, the aircraft will automatically follow an even less climb-challenged path away from the airport. The simplicity of selecting this non-normal procedure eliminated the need for a third pilot, saving training and operational costs.   Since RNP the business case for Queenstown has improved considerably-reports indicate the market generates quarterly profits in the range of $5 million AUD.
Approach to Runway 23 descends over Lake Wakatipu before series of turns over Speargrass flat line up aircraft for a short final segment.
Runway 05 approach circles hill on Kelvin Peninsula, providing time for descent.  Note that Final Approach Fix is in RF leg south of hill on Kelvin Peninsula while runway is on other side of hill.