Naverus Congratulates Air China on RNP Approval for Airbus A319

SEATTLE, Aug. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Naverus congratulates Air China on receiving approval to conduct RNP operations with their Airbus A319 fleet. On August 23, 2007 an Air China A319 departed Lhasa, China using Naverus RNP procedures making it the World's first Airbus to use RNP in revenue service. Naverus, Airbus, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Air China all contributed to the achievement of this milestone.

RNP (Required Navigation Performance) represents the most modern aircraft navigation technique. It utilizes GPS and sophisticated avionics to ensure that aircraft stay on precise, pre-programmed paths. Air China A319s will now use this capability to safely guide them through Himalayan mountain valleys when arriving and departing the airport at Lhasa. In addition to providing navigation solutions for terrain challenged airports, RNP can be used to increase safety and operational efficiency while minimizing aircraft emissions and noise at any airport.

This marks the second aircraft type approved by the CAAC for RNP operations and demonstrates their commitment to obtain the safety, efficiency and environmental benefits of RNP throughout China.

About Naverus

Naverus is the worldwide RNP leader, having produced more than 350 procedures. The company's designs represent the overwhelming majority of RNP procedures in active use today. Naverus provides a full range of RNP products and services including assisting regulatory agencies with the establishment of standards, aircraft manufacturers with equipment certification and operators with the implementation and maintenance of network-wide RNP programs. Naverus RNP procedures incorporate fuel-saving efficiencies and other benefits making them popular with airlines. Customers include Airbus, Air China, Air New Zealand, Boeing, jetBlue, Jetstar, Qantas, Southwest Airlines, Virgin Blue and WestJet. The Seattle company, which is privately-held, was founded in 2003.