Aircraft
Alaska Airlines Sees 'Decent Payback' from RNP Investment
Alaska Airlines saved $19 million in 2011 using RNP procedures.
Bill Ayer, chairman of Alaska Airlines parent company Alaska Air Group, said the airline saved $19 million in 2011 by using required navigation performance (RNP) arrivals and departures. (Photo: Bill Carey)
Bill Ayer, chairman of Alaska Airlines parent company Alaska Air Group, said the airline saved $19 million in 2011 by using required navigation performance (RNP) arrivals and departures. (Photo: Bill Carey)

The first U.S. airline to fully equip its fleet and train pilots for GPS-guided required navigation performance (RNP) procedures has already seen “a decent payback” on its investment. “We’re hooked,” said Bill Ayer, chairman of Alaska Airlines parent company Alaska Air Group. “We think this is great technology because it has provided tangible benefits of improving safety and reliability and real financial return.”