Skywest Airlines upgrades Fokker 100s with GNSS
The new integrated Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) for the Fokker 100 and Fokker 70 has been chosen by Skywest Airlines to upgrade its Fokker 100s.
By designing the integrated GNSS system, Fokker Services ensures that the Fokker 100 and Fokker 70 will remain competitive for many years to come. The system is a cost-effective improvement making use of satellite-based navigation and approach capability without expensive flight management and autopilot system upgrades, declares the company.
Skywest’s upgraded Fokker 100s will be able to fly accurate GPS-aided approaches that meet RNP 0.3 requirements. Use of RNP capability is also possible with departure and en route tracks, allowing shorter route distances providing potential for time, fuel and emission savings throughout the complete flight profile. The integrated GNSS system offers stabilised approaches whereas vertical guidance is based on barometric altitude.
Skywest Airlines is evaluating the benefits of GNSS and is committed to upgrading its Fokker aircraft. Jeff Chatfield, executive chairman of Skywest, commented, “The installation of the GNSS system will allow us to increase our capacity and it will create many other exciting new developments in the Western Australian resources sector. GNSS will give us the enhanced capability to increase the number of overall flights per day and allows us to land at night at the remote and unattended airfields typical of the major mining operations.”
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