Eco-Aviation Channel

Qantas, Southwest boost RNP use

By Geoffrey Thomas
Eco-Aviation Today, April 10, 2009, p.6

Qantas Group is moving to expand its RNP use significantly. The airline, which launched RNP operations on its 737-800 fleet in 2007 into Christchurch and Brisbane, has extended those operations to 15 regional airports that have no ILS facilities.

QF Chief Technical Pilot-Boeing Fleet Alex Passerini told Eco-Aviation Today that the group has committed to developing RNP for the A330 fleet and Jetstar's A320 fleet and will expand RNP arrivals to other Australian capital cities. During 2009 it will add 15 more airports, with Sydney to follow in 2010.

Passerini said Qantas is "typically saving 300 kg. of fuel per arrival for the 737-800 and thus a 960 kg. reduction of CO2." During a 12-month period he said it flew more than 8,000 RNP approaches into Brisbane, saving 4,200 min. of flying, 440,000 lb. of fuel and 650,000 kg. of CO2 emissions.

He said the carrier is achieving remarkable accuracy with RNP. When the 737 first was certified for the procedure 14 years ago, it was capable of accuracy to 0.1 nm. 95% of the time and 0.2 nm. 99.99% of the time. "We are maintaining centerline and deviating less than the wingspan of the 737," he said.

Meanwhile, in the US Southwest Airlines last month flew a demo RNP roundtrip between Dallas Love Field and Houston Hobby. Executive VP and COO Mike Van de Ven said the event was a "milestone in the six-year plan to implement RNP procedures across the Southwest system and assist FAA with NextGen initiatives." It is investing $175 million in the project, which is being done in partnership with Naverus.

The demo flight resulted in a 904-lb. reduction in CO2 for the roundtrip as well as an 8% cut in fuel burn. Annually the savings would equate to 8.42 million lb. of CO2 and 400,000 gal. of fuel.

In a related development, major stakeholders of the world aviation community signed a declaration calling for rapid implementation of Performance-Based Navigation, including RNP, RNAV and CDA. The signing ceremony for the PBN Declaration was held in Geneva in conjunction with the Aviation and Environment Summit.

ICAO Council President Roberto Gonzalez emphasized at the signing that PBN "will help reduce airport and airspace congestion, conserve fuel and protect the environment, reduce the impact of aircraft noise near airports and ensure reliable, all-weather operations. It will also provide operators with greater flexibility while increasing safety and efficiency."

IATA estimates that shorter PBN routes could cut CO2 emissions by 13 million tonnes per year globally. Gonzalez emphasized that "the sooner we implement PBN, the sooner we will reap its enormous benefits."

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