Naverus Congratulates Air New Zealand On Obtaining RNP Approval, Airline Using Naverus Procedures Tailored for 737-300 at Queenstown, New Zealand
[Apr-6-2007]
Kent, WA (April 3, 2007): Naverus congratulates Air New Zealand today on the occasion of obtaining approval from the New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority to conduct RNP operations. This marks the first time in the world an airline has received RNP certification for a 737-300. Naverus is proud to have contributed aircraft certification advice, assistance with the approval process and the tailored RNP procedures which helped Air New Zealand achieve this milestone.
RNP (Required Navigation Performance) represents the latest development in aircraft navigation. It combines the advanced capabilities of modern avionics and GPS to ensure that aircraft stay on narrow, pre-programmed paths. RNP’s accuracy and all weather capability allow it to safely guide aircraft around the mountainous terrain surrounding the Queenstown, New Zealand airport with greater reliability than traditional procedures.
Prior to RNP, Air New Zealand estimates that bad weather in Queenstown prevented it from operating flights on more than 36 days per year. The new Naverus designed RNP procedures will dramatically improve reliability. Air New Zealand’s Manager Fleet Support – Technical, Phil Hickman, says “With the new procedures in place the airline expects to significantly reduce the number of Queenstown flights it has to cancel due to bad weather.”
Boeing 737 Captain Grant Fausett, who played a key role training pilots for RNP operations, expressed pilot sentiment by saying “The new technology delivers greater safety and reliability of access. The 737 pilot group is embracing this new technology with enthusiasm and is quickly becoming aware of its benefits.”
Naverus co-founder Hal Andersen said, “Air New Zealand can now be counted as a RNP pioneer thanks to their vision and dedication. The Naverus team has found our partnership with them to be both professionally and personally rewarding. We look forward to working with them to capitalize on additional RNP benefits.”
Air New Zealand is the latest of many airlines Naverus has assisted with RNP projects. In recognition of that experience and to provide airlines with additional resources to accelerate the modernization of U.S. airspace, the Federal Aviation Administration recently designated Naverus as a RNP Approval Consultant.
About Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand’s domestic schedule of 470 daily flights to 26 domestic cities offers convenient connections to its international destinations and the Star Alliance creating a globe spanning route network. The airline’s in-flight product features revolutionary lie-flat seats for premium class passengers and a new premium economy service that offers additional leg room, more seat recline and in-seat power. The premium economy offering is unique among carriers to and from New Zealand. Air New Zealand is continually modernizing its fleet with the introduction of new Boeing 777 aircraft and starting in 2011 it will be the launch customer of the new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner with orders for eight aircraft.
About Naverus
Naverus is the worldwide RNP leader, having produced more than 350 procedures. The company’s designs represent the overwhelming majority of RNP procedures in active use today. Naverus provides a full range of RNP products and services including assisting regulatory agencies with the establishment of standards, aircraft manufacturers with equipment certification and operators with the implementation and maintenance of network-wide RNP programs. Naverus RNP procedures incorporate fuel-saving efficiencies and other benefits making them popular with airlines. Customers include Airbus, Air China, Air New Zealand, Boeing, jetBlue, Jetstar, Qantas, Virgin Blue and WestJet. The Seattle-area company, which is privately-held, was founded in 2003.
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Eric Nordling
Phone: +1 (253) 867-3881
or
Kellee Tyner
Phone: +1 (253) 867-3856
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