"QUOVADIS" - the new RNP services company by Airbus

Developing RNP activity and procedures for authorities, airlines and airports

From July 2009, QUOVADIS, a new 100 percent subsidiary of Airbus, based in Toulouse, will sell and provide ’Required Navigation Performance’ (RNP) services to authorities, airlines and airports, ranging from RNP procedures design, testing and flight operations packaging, to RNP training.

To support QUOVADIS, Airbus has signed a cooperation agreement for RNP procedure design with the French Civil Aviation University (ENAC) in Toulouse, and CGx AERO in SYS, a specialist in aeronautical and geographic information systems based in Castres, France.

“Airbus has been very committed to this new technology over the last few years with a very positive outcome, and the launch of QUOVADIS is evidence of Airbus’ commitment to develop further and provide new services which bring value to aircraft operators,” said Charles Champion, Executive Vice president, Customer Services.

RNP is a navigation technique, which allows aircraft to fly precisely along a predefined route using state-of-the-art onboard navigation system and Global Positioning System (GPS). RNP improves the efficiency, capacity and environmental performance of the global air transportation system. This navigation technology is the trend of future navigation, recommended by ICAO, and shows significant operational benefits. These benefits include:

* improved precision of flight operation;
* increased access to airports, particularly in low visibility conditions whilst requiring fewer ground-based instrument landing aids;
* lower flight time and fuel consumption; and lower noise and emissions.

Airbus has been very supportive of this RNP innovative approach over the last few years and the launch of QUOVADIS is the next step to further develop this activity and procedures.