Etihad Airways A330 performs first optimized RNP-AR approach in Abu Dhabi

An Airbus A330-200 from Etihad Airways has performed the first high precision and environmentally efficient RNP-AR (“Required Navigation Performance – Authorization Required”) approach to Abu Dhabi International Airport. This flight marks the beginning of full RNP-AR implementation throughout Abu Dhabi’s entire terminal airspace. These new technology approaches, designed by Airbus’ Performance Based Navigation (PBN) subsidiary, Quovadis, utilize ‘continuous descent’ operations and optimised trajectories which shorten the approach paths to the runway thereby reducing noise, flight times and minimising fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Overall, each RNP-AR approach can reduce fuel consumption by 100 to 200kg and reduce CO2 emissions by at least 20,000 tonnes per year. Along with Airbus’ Quovadis subsidiary and Etihad Airways, other partners in this project include: Abu Dhabi Airport Company (ADAC), UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), and ADAC’s Air Traffic Controllers.