Boeing Completes RNP Milestone in Panama

Boeing recently completed a critical design review for Required Navigation Performance procedures (RNP) in work at Panama's Tocumen International Airport and Howard Airport.

The critical design review, which took place at the Copa Airlines training center in Panama City, assesses the "fly-ability" of the procedures and ensures compatibility with airline crew procedures. RNP uses global-positioning satellites and onboard flight-management systems to guide airplanes accurately along precise flight paths.

Boeing, along with its wholly owned subsidiary, Jeppesen, will provide RNP procedures under contract with the Autoridad Aeronautica Civil (AAC), Panama's Civil Aviation Authority.

Boeing and Jeppesen worked very closely with the AAC of Panama and Copa Airlines to incorporate their requirements into the final RNP procedures that Jeppesen will use in creating the final navigation charts and corresponding navigational database.

These procedures will support flights into the Panamanian airports for any airline, with Panama's Copa Airlines taking the lead in testing the RNP procedures. More precise routing can help aircraft operators reduce fuel consumption and lessen greenhouse gas emissions.

"Panama is constantly working to make our aviation infrastructure more secure and efficient," said Capt. Rafael Barcenas, Panama's Civil Aviation Authority director. "As a Panamanian I am proud to be part of this legacy of innovation. Together we are maximizing the use of new technology for the benefit of our airspace."

In May, Boeing signed an agreement with the AAC to provide Required Navigation Performance procedures to the country as part of Panama's effort to set new standards for safe and efficient airline operations in Latin America.

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