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VAS “Latvijas gaisas satiksme” has developed and implemented the instrument flight procedures of the high-precision navigation system (Performance Based Navigation or PBN) at the “Riga” airport. In order to comply with international best practice, the procedures have been developed in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidelines.

The development of procedures was started to solve the capacity problems of Riga Airport when the intensity of flights reached its highest point in 2019. The advantages of PBN compared to traditional instrument flight procedures are more efficient use of airspace by optimizing arrival and departure interactions, fuel consumption efficiency, lower CO2 emissions and reduced noise levels.

PBN route structures are designed to improve flight safety and efficiency by optimizing arrival-departure interaction, horizontal and vertical runway alignment, reducing fuel consumption and noise levels, minimizing radio communication between the air traffic control center and the aircrew, and where possible ensure flight continuity.

PBN offers several benefits compared to the traditional instrumental flights’ procedures and routes based on certain stationary navigation equipment. PBN allows to use air space more effectively (creation of routes, fuel consumption efficiency, reduction of noise level etc.) as well as reduces total investment amount by updating the sensors according to technological development.

The national airline of Latvia “Air Baltic” and other airlines flying to and from the airport “Riga” have been able to use PBN procedures since August 12, 2021.

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