Etihad begins full implementation of RNP-AR approach operations at Abu Dhabi and signs fuel management deal
Wed 25 July 2012 – An Etihad Airways Airbus A330-200 has performed the first high-precision and environmentally-efficient RNP-AR approach to Abu Dhabi International Airport, marking the beginning of full implementation of the air navigation procedure throughout Abu Dhabi’s entire terminal airspace. The approaches have been designed by Airbus’ Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) subsidiary Quovadis and utilise continuous descent operations and optimised trajectories to shorten approach paths to the runway. As well as reducing aircraft noise, each RNP-AR approach can reduce fuel consumption by 100 to 200kg, accruing overall reductions in CO2 emissions by over 20,000 tonnes per year. Etihad has also announced a contract with Optimized Systems and Solutions (OSyS) to implement a new fuel management system to reduce fuel and emissions across its fleet.
Other partners in the RNP-AR (Required Navigation Performance – Authorization Required) project include Abu Dhabi Airport Company (ADAC) and the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). Quovadis was contracted nine months ago to develop the procedures for Abu Dhabi International and Al Bateen airports, with procedures for the latter, a dedicated business jet airport, expected to be submitted to the authorities before year end.
“Etihad Airways is keen on promoting efficient flights with as little environmental impact as possible,” said the airline’s Chief Operations Officer, Captain Richard Hill. “We are looking forward to flying RNP-AR approaches in Abu Dhabi and in other destinations where they have been implemented.”
Rolls-Royce subsidiary OSyS will be providing Etihad with software to analyse the airline’s existing fuel arrangements, allowing it to better prioritise areas where the most effective fuel and emissions savings can be achieved.
“Across our global network, the new real-time analysis will help us achieve a better understanding about fuel saving opportunities,” commented Hill. “It will allow us to more efficiently compare our planned fuel versus actual fuel used on every flight with the overall goals being to reduce fuel consumption, cut carbon emissions and trim our aviation fuel bills.
“We believe measuring and analysing fuel consumption during all phases of the flight will ultimately pay off in adapting our operational techniques so that we continuously improve the way we operate our flights in relation to flight and fuel planning, flight and ground operation procedures and air traffic system integration.”
Mark Goodhind, Vice President of Operations Optimization at OSyS, said: “The OSyS fuel management solution continues to evolve to meet the needs of airline operators, offering a better vision of fuel cost controls within the context of their individual operations. Along with the OSyS emissions monitoring and reporting service, the company’s expertise serves airlines’ goals of achieving a more sustainable business.”
OSyS has also been selected by Virgin Atlantic Airways to optimise the carrier's operational fuel usage and manage its EU Emissions Trading Scheme reporting commitments.
