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Copa Airlines to Begin Naverus RNP Program Development and Operations Approval [Jun-17-2008] PANAMA CITY, Panama & KENT, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Copa Airlines of Panama has engaged Naverus to develop a Required Navigation Performance (RNP) Program. RNP combines the accuracy of satellite navigation with the powerful on-board computers of Copa’s aircraft fleet to provide pinpoint navigation capability. “Copa Airlines has established itself as an airline industry leader by becoming the first Latin American carrier to begin certification to use the RNP technology,” said David Hathaway, vice president of Naverus Business Development. “When fully deployed, this leading technology will allow Copa to better serve many of its existing destinations by taking advantage of improved approach and departure capability, creating up to 10 percent fuel savings and improving airline schedule efficiency, while reducing impact on the environment.” Naverus completed an RNP Readiness Assessment project at Copa Airlines to help the airline begin an RNP program to derive maximum performance and economy from its fleet of modern Boeing 737NG aircraft. The Readiness Assessment addressed forecasted RNP financial benefits, compliance with RNP regulatory requirements, an evaluation of network-wide operational and safety enhancements and an overview of the operational approval process. The assessment also included a flight crew survey, the results of which provided valuable input for designing Copa’s optimal RNP program. “Copa Airlines is the established leader in Latin America for technological innovation. Our early adaptation of blended winglets, HF Datalink and the Boeing Vertical Situation Display were natural precursors to our move into RNP,” said Larry Ganse, Copa Airlines Senior VP Operations. “These advances will allow Copa Airlines to obtain the most fuel-efficient operations possible, thereby reducing our impact on global warming.” About Copa Holdings, S.A. Copa Holdings, through its Copa Airlines and Aero Republica operating subsidiaries, is a leading Latin American provider of passenger and cargo service. Copa Airlines currently offers 126 daily scheduled flights to 41 destinations in 22 countries in North, Central and South America and the Caribbean through its Hub of the Americas based in Panama City, Panama. In addition, Copa Airlines provides passengers with access to flights to more than 120 other international destinations through codeshare agreements with Continental Airlines and other airlines. From the U.S., Copa offers nonstop service to Panama 20 times a week from Miami; daily from New York City, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.; and 12 times a week from Orlando. Copa is an associate member of the Global SkyTeam alliance, giving its passengers access to more than 15,200 daily flights to more than 790 cities in 162 countries. Aero Republica, the second-largest carrier in Colombia, provides service to 12 cities in Colombia as well as international connectivity with Copa Airlines’ Hub of the Americas through daily flights from Bogotá, Bucaramanga, Cali and Medellin. For more information, visit www.copaair.com. About Naverus Naverus is the worldwide Required Navigation Performance leader having created the overwhelming majority of active RNP procedures worldwide. Uniquely combining expertise in avionics, aircraft operations and procedure design, Naverus works with airlines and air navigation service providers to find optimal solutions to their specific routes and challenges. Airlines seek Naverus RNP flight paths to save fuel, reduce carbon emissions, reduce miles flown, reduce block times and help air traffic systems to gain new efficiencies. The company's customers include Airbus, Air China, Air New Zealand, Boeing, CAAC, COPA, IATA, jetBlue, Jetstar, SkyEurope, Southwest, Qantas, Virgin Blue and WestJet and others. Naverus Inc. is a privately-held Seattle company founded in 2003. http://www.naverus.com back to news...