AirAsia gets nod to use cost-cutting technology

KUALA LUMPUR: AirAsia became be the first airline in the country to be granted the RNP-AR APCH flight operations approval.

The RNP-AR APCH or the Required Navigation Performance Authori- sation Required Approach, is an advanced form of Performance-based Navigation (PBN) technology, which can be designed to shorten the distance an aircraft has to fly en route, and to reduce fuel burn, exhaust emissions and noise pollution in communities near airports.

The PBN technology allows pilots to use onboard technology to follow a precise track, independent of ground-based navigation beacons that limit where the aircraft can go.

“We are proud to be the first airline in Malaysia to be granted this operations approval. It is a remarkable achievement.

“By achieving significant mile savings, we are able to save on fuel costs and this could be translated to more low fares for our guests,” said AirAsia Bhd chief executive officer Aireen Omar in a statement.

RNP-AR APCH’s precision and reliability can help air traffic controllers reduce flight delays and alleviate air traffic congestion.

AirAsia hopes to save up to RM1mil a year from reduced fuel costs.

Source : The Star, 14 Dec 2013