Airbus' Quovadis Subsidiary Supports Nepalese Authorities For Improved Airport Safety

The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has formed an alliance with and Qatar Airways and Airbus in an effort to improve operational safety at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport, which is well known for its challenging surrounding terrain. The airport is expected 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.

Image Courtesy Quovadis

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.

“The implementation of RNP AR operations at [Tribhuvan] is a big step forward for the benefit of safety and reliability,” said Quovadis Sales Director Celine Baillard. “We are very proud to support the CAAN in this project and to offer to all operators flying to Kathmandu the opportunity to reduce their operational costs.”

In selecting this advanced solution, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal also will optimise the use of Tribhuvan’s airspace, thus increasing airport capacity to enable future air traffic growth in Nepal. 

FMI: www.quovadisway.com