ATR accelerates Performance Based Navigation globally

Toulouse, May 23, 2022 – ATR, the world leader in regional aviation, continues to drive the implementation of Performance Based Navigation (PBN) and the use of on-board and satellite technology around the world to provide flight safety and operational benefits in the regions we serve.

As part of this initiative, Patrick Ky, Executive Director of EASA, recently visited the ATR premises in Singapore. The visit took place in the context of an EU-sponsored project working together with the Indonesia authorities to extend the implementation of PBN. ATR contributes to the project by providing expertise including ATR Flight Instructors and the use of our full flight simulators. In addition, ATR trainers work with the flight instructors of Indonesian airlines as part of a “train the trainers” initiative, to take full benefit of the available technology.

ATR CEO Stefano Bortoli, said: “Performance Based Navigation is a significant flight safety enhancement in addition to the improved operational performance and fuel burn reductions. We at ATR are working closely with EASA and other global authorities to promote its roll-out. Everywhere in the world, our operators are providing essential connectivity to communities. Performance Based Navigation ensures that these airlines meet the highest standards of operational excellence, continually improving flight safety and sustainability.”

Performance Based Navigation enables aircraft to fly on a designed flight path with autopilot engaged turning a visual approach into an instrumented approach.
Approaches on two airfields are now published (Bajawa and Larantuka), a third one is in the final stage (Atambua), and the cooperation continues with EASA and Indonesian DGCA for more approaches to be published by the end of 2022.

We are grateful to EASA and the Indonesian authorities for their ongoing support and great co-operation.

About ATR

ATR is the world number one regional aircraft manufacturer with its ATR 42 and 72, the best-selling aircraft in the below 90-seat market segment. The unifying vision of the company is to accelerate sustainable connections for people, communities and businesses, no matter how remote. Flown by some 200 airlines in over 100 countries, ATR aircraft opened 160 new routes in 2023, facilitating the development of territories and enabling access to crucial services like healthcare and education. Thanks to ATR’s focus on continuous innovation and the intrinsic efficiency of the turboprop technology, ATR aircraft are the most advanced, versatile, cost-effective and lowest-emission regional aircraft on the market, emitting 45% less CO2 than similar-size regional jets. In January 2022, we flew the first ever commercial aircraft using 100% SAF in both engines. ATR is a joint-venture between Airbus and Leonardo.