Airways New Zealand the first ANSP to receive ICAO endorsement for PBN procedure design

Airways New Zealand is the first Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP) in the world to receive ICAO's endorsement as an instrument procedure design organisation for Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) and conventional designs.

Design and implementation of PBN is one of the most significant challenges and opportunities facing ANSPs, with considerable potential to improve safety, efficiency and capacity.  Airways has overcome the challenge faced by many ANSPs of creating the capacity and capability to undertake such a complex project.

PBN procedures are recognised by the aviation industry as key to improving the efficiency, capacity and safety of air operations. The New Zealand aviation sector has already benefitted from introducing PBN at several locations across the country. For example, PBN implementation at the important tourist destination of Queenstown, which has some of the most challenging terrain in the world, has improved safety and enabled jet operations to continue in a variety of weather conditions.

As a result of PBN, the number of flight movements in Queenstown has increased from five to 12 an hour, bringing big benefits to Airways, the airlines and the region.

Obrad Puškarica, Aeronautical Design and Development Team Leader at Airways, says "we’re delighted to have been endorsed by ICAO for our PBN and conventional design services. Our team of procedure designers has a lot of experience in PBN design and implementation both within New Zealand and from working with other countries all over the world.”

“We’ve done many different types of PBN flight procedures for varying environmental and traffic conditions, weather conditions and mixed fleet capabilities. We’re proud to have this experience recognised in this manner," says Obrad.

Ed Sims, Airways CEO, concludes “The practical, pragmatic, and cost-effective approach taken by the Airways team has led to several successful implementations which continue to deliver benefits to airspace users.”

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