26 November 2008
Innovation

Air New Zealand is the first operator to have its Airbus fleet approved for new navigation procedures that will save fuel, lower noise and emissions, and help reduce the impact of inclement weather on flight operations.

The airline will begin these procedures, called "Required Navigation Performance Authorisation Required" (RNP AR), on its A320 service between Sydney, Australia and Queenstown, New Zealand. RNP AR enables specially-trained pilots to fly more precisely and efficiently, including operations into airports.

Air New Zealand prepared for the new capability by upgrading its full A320 fleet. RNP AR offers a wide range of commercial and environmental benefits, including higher levels of airport accessibility and schedule integrity. The shorter, curved landing approaches enabled by RNP AR also result in the lower noise levels, along with significantly reduced fuel consumption and carbon emissions.

The airline’s A320 fleet - currently operating on routes across the Tasman region - received its RNP certification from New Zealand's Civil Aviation Authority in September 2008 following completion of a comprehensive nine-month trial programme.

As a result of this new capability, Air New Zealand will benefit from improved access to Queenstown, a terrain-challenged airport in the South Island of New Zealand. The operator also plans to work with regulatory bodies over the coming year to investigate further use of RNP AR to increase eco-efficiency on flights to other airports in New Zealand and Australia.