Kelowna, Canada: Fuel Savings and Schedule Reliability
Naverus developed RNP approach procedures for WestJet's 737-800 fleet. The approaches guide jets through the Okanagan Valley rather than over the mountains. The procedures deliver a 310-foot improvement over the existing ILS approach DA and a more than 1000-foot improvement over existing non-precision GPS and NDB approaches. WestJet can fly a precision approach straight in to RWY 34, allowing them to safely land in bad weather instead of having to circle or divert to an alternate airport. The new RNP approaches also deliver a 31-41 nm reduction in the flight path, reduced block time, and lower operating costs.
Problem
- Mountainous terrain restricted the ILS decision altitude (DA).
- Airline schedule reliability was degraded during periods of low ceilings.
Solution
- RNP approach procedures lowered the DA by 310 feet.
- RNP procedures to RWY 34 at Kelowna enable straight-in approaches, resulting in fewer diversions in bad weather.