Airbus is teaming up with the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) and Qatar Airways to further improve operational safety at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, which is well known for its challenging surrounding terrain. The airport is to benefit from the use of modern Required Navigation Performance with Authorization Required (RNP AR) procedures, the implementation of which will be supported by Airbus’ Quovadis subsidiary.
This navigation technique allows aircraft to fly precisely along a predefined route using on-board navigation systems and the GPS-based global navigation satellite system – enabling higher efficiency and enhanced safety. The additional track flexibility provided by RNP AR will allow incoming aircraft to circumnavigate the terrain currently overflown using conventional methods – allowing for a smooth descent and fully-stabilised approach.
As part of the project, Quovadis already has performed a data survey of obstacles and will develop RNP AR arrivals for Tribhuvan’s Runway 02. The Airbus subsidiary also is to provide training to air traffic controllers – ensuring a seamless introduction into Kathmandu’s airspace.
