Goa Airport on Monday successfully completed RNP (Required Navigation Performance) procedure for both approaches - 10 and 28 - of the newly built runway at the upcoming New Goa International Airport.

An Airbus 320 aircraft from Indigo Airlines equipped with RNP equipment tested and validated RNP for its accuracy and flyability.

According to a senior GMR Goa International Airport Limited (GGIAL) official, RNP is a family of navigation specifications under Performance Based Navigation (PBN) which permit the operation of aircraft along a precise flight path with a high level of accuracy and the ability to determine aircraft position with both precision and integrity. The addition of an RNP radius to fix arrivals, approaches, and departures increases airspace capacity by shortening the approach and departure paths.

“Once the RNP procedure is drawn for a particular runway of an aerodrome, it needs to be tested and validated for its accuracy and flyability through the simulator and actual aircraft trials. During this process, the defined flight path is tested by flying an aircraft equipped with RNP equipment, in accordance with the procedure developed. Upon successful validation and approval, the procedures are published and promulgated for use by all airlines,” he said.

“Validating of such procedures by an aircraft at a greenfield airport needs an immense amount of ground work in terms of planning, preparation, readiness, testing, and precision execution. With this successful RNP flight our team at the New Goa International Airport has achieved a very important milestone towards

commissioning of airport,” he added.

On the occasion, CEO-GGIAL, R. V. Sheshan said, “Today, we have successfully completed the Required Navigation Performance Procedure at the upcoming New Goa International Airport. RNP approach ensures integrity and accuracy and helps an aircraft follow specific paths using board equipment.