Fuel Savings and Schedule Reliability: Kelowna

Problem Kelowna is a golf, boating and ski destination in the Okanagan Valley. Mountainous terrain closely flanking the airport restricted the ILS decision height minima to more than 650 feet (1100 feet if the glide slope is out). Reliability of service to CYLW was limited. Delays and diversions due to weather conditions also had ripple effects on aircraft scheduling, impacting WestJet’s total network performance.

Solution Naverus developed RNP approach procedures for WestJet’s 737- 800 fleet. The approaches guide jets through the Okanagan Valley, rather than over the mountains. The procedures deliver over 310’ improvement over the ILS approach and more than 1000’ improvement over existing non-precision GPS and NDB approaches. WestJet can fly a precision approach straight-in to RWY34, rather than circling, giving them a competitive advantage at night and in bad weather. The new approaches also deliver a significant reduction in track miles, reducing block time and operating costs: RWY16: 31 nm track reduction, RWY34: 41 nm track reduction.

Tracks before RNP: 116 arriving flights, RWY 34

Tracks after RNP: 128 arriving flights, RWY 34, arrivals from West 31nm shorter, arrivals from East 41nm shorter