ENAV and Leonardo have successfully examined and validated the PBN (Performance Based Navigation) approach for the Foggia – Tremiti S. Domino Island route in the Apulia region of Southern Italy. This testing was conducted with an AW169 helicopter operated by Alidaunia, a company specializing in transport services to and from the Tremiti Islands, along with emergency medical service missions benefiting the local community.
PBN techniques, executed via cutting-edge satellite navigation and aircraft avionics, play a crucial role in optimizing airspace, delivering enhanced flight operational safety through improved navigation, approach, and landing precision. This is particularly vital under certain weather conditions. PBN can supplement or replace conventional land-based radio navigation systems.
Additionally, PBN procedures contribute to a decrease in harmful emissions and noise through designated routes and reduced fuel consumption. Key applications that benefit from this innovative technology include passenger transport, emergency medical services, rescue missions, disaster relief operations, surveillance, and firefighting, all operable in varying weather conditions, day or night. The implementation of PBN significantly boosts flight safety, environmental sustainability, public service responsiveness, and overall air transport efficiency.
The Foggia – Tremiti S. Domino Island route is the first step in a developing network supporting helicopter operations of the regional heliport network, referred to as Rete Eliportuale Puglia. The successful validation procedures, employing the advanced Leonardo AW169 helicopter, stem from a partnership between Alidaunia and EGSA (European Global Navigation Satellite Systems Agency) under the PHAR project (PBN for HEMS in the Apulia Region).
The procedures will feature high precision linked to specialized navigation criteria, enabling safe flights even at lower altitudes. This approach aims to minimize emissions and noise while optimizing airspace through the integration of helicopter and aircraft operations.
ENAV, Italy’s air navigation service provider, has been pioneering PBN procedures for both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft for years. Leonardo, a prominent organization in aerospace, defense, and security sectors, produces state-of-the-art helicopters like the AW169 with cutting-edge avionics and advanced satellite navigation capabilities. They are among the few manufacturers globally capable of coding and producing PBN navigation databases.
Alidaunia remains at the forefront of technological development, gaining significant operational advantages in establishing PBN routes, ensuring notable benefits related to 24/7 operations and during challenging weather conditions.
The Apulia demonstration marks the first initiative following the signing of the Letter of Intent between ENAV and Leonardo, announced in October 2020. This agreement aims to provide helicopter operators in Italy and internationally with advanced products and services in instrument navigation, while also modernizing the necessary infrastructures. Through this collaboration of two major players in the aeronautics sector, the development and utilization of PBN-compliant procedures support various flight phases, enhancing safety and overall operational effectiveness.
