Southwest RNP Flight Demonstrates Savings

Southwest Airlines said it recently flew Required Navigation Performance (RNP) procedures on a round-trip flight between Dallas Love Field and Houston Hobby International Airport as part of its program to eventually use RNP at every airport it serves.

According to the airline, the demonstration flight yielded an estimated reduction of 904 pounds of C02 and fuel savings of eight percent.

“The data collected is extremely promising for just one roundtrip flight and we are excited to implement additional flights at airports across our system,” said Jeff Martin, Southwest Airlines senior director of flight operations and RNP lead.

Southwest is investing $175 million over six years to implement RNP procedures, retrofit aircraft and train its pilots.