| RNP Makes Sense for the Bottom Line
The financial benefits of RNP for aircraft operators are truly compelling. Fuel, insurance, engine maintenance and crew costs go down, while revenues grow through serving more flights and more locations. In a tough aviation market, RNP provides a competitive edge.
Lower Fuel Consumption: Because RNP uses a Continuous Descent Approach (CDA) rather than the higher-thrusts associated with "dive and drive" procedures, it burns significantly less fuel. Further fuel savings result from flight paths designed to take the most direct course to the runway—day in and day out. And, less fuel means lower emissions—which can mean environment- related tax credits.
Lowered Insurance Premiums: Airline hull and liability insurance underwriters understand that RNP lowers risk, resulting in lower premiums for users.
Higher Crew, Gate and Aircraft Utilization: Crews, gates and aircraft are utilized at higher rates because of shorter more predictable block times.
New Market Access: Because it can allow consistent takeoff and landing in difficult terrain and weather, RNP gives access to markets previously lacking regularly scheduled service which can be a source of high yields and passenger volumes.
Increased Payload Limits: RNP operations can also raise payload limits—meaning more fuel, freight or passengers—by avoiding paths with onerous climb requirements. If higher payloads aren't necessary for a flight, lower thrust settings can be used to reduce engine maintenance rates. |
