“We selected GE to design and deploy the RNP, because of their unrivaled experience and their successful record in Cusco and at other airports around the world,” said Jorge Ihnen, senior vice-president of operations of LAN.  In 2009, GE designed and deployed RNP paths at Cusco and assisted LAN in gaining regulatory approval to fly them. Cusco Airport, located high in the Andes Mountains, is a busy vacation gateway to Machu Picchu in Peru. “The benefits LAN experienced by adopting RNP at Cusco led us to recognize the value of deploying these paths at many airports we fly to,” said Carlos Schacht, vice-president of operations & maintenance of LAN Perú.  

“GE is committed to working with airlines, like LAN, to custom-design PBN navigation solutions that match operating and economic needs,” said Steve Forte, general manager of GE’s PBN Services business. “LAN joins a growing number of airlines around the world that recognize the value of implementing optimized RNP navigation procedures.”  

PBN engages the full potential of the aircraft to fly precisely-defined paths without relying on ground-based radio-navigation signals. RNP, a form of PBN, ensures the aircraft precisely follows the path and provides additional navigational flexibility, such as custom-tailored, curved paths through mountainous terrain or in congested airspace.