Boeing and Lion Air Pioneer Precision Satellite Navigation Technology

Boeing and Lion Air, an all-Boeing Next-Generation 737 operator, are pioneering the use of precision navigation technology in South Asia with the introduction of Required Navigation Performance (RNP) flight operations. RNP enables airplanes, using global positioning systems, to fly precisely predefined flight paths without reliance on ground-based navigation stations. 

Lion Air, together with Boeing and the Indonesian Directorate General of Civil Aviation, successfully performed validation flights to test tailor-made RNP Authorization Required (RNP AR) procedures at two terrain-challenged airports, Ambon and Manado, Indonesia. 

"We look forward to seeing these procedures fully implemented so we can realize the substantial economic and safety benefits provided by this program," said Captain Ertata Lananggalih, managing director of Lion Air. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation Indonesia intends to implement RNP at other airports in the country. 

Lion Air is employing the most advanced version of RNP -- RNP Authorization Required -- that navigates the world's most challenging terrain. RNP helps reduce airplane flight miles and provides for idle-power descents that save fuel, reduce emissions and noise and enhance safety. 

"Boeing is leading the way in designing and implementing performance-based operations such as RNP," said Neil Planzer, vice president, Air Traffic Management, Boeing Flight Services. "It's part of our commitment to help our customers maximize the superior capability and technology inherent in their airplanes." 

Boeing subsidiary Jeppesen, designed, charted, and helped certify the instrument flight procedures, while Boeing Flight Services led the overall project, conducted an RNP Safety Assessment, and trained Lion Air's leadership, dispatchers and flight crews. Boeing worked with Indonesia's Directorate General of Civil Aviation through the construction of a national regulatory framework necessary to fully certify the airline for RNP operations under ICAO guidelines.